D3425: Surprising lower thermal limits of the invasive spotted lanternfly

Spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is invasive in North America. This species continues to spread beyond its initial infestation site and has established in over 14 states in the eastern USA. Cold winter temperatures are predicted to limit the northern spread of this species, however the cold tolerance and lower thermal limits of this species have not been examined in the North American invaded range. We demonstrate that the egg masses (the overwintering stage of the spotted lanternfly) are surprisingly cold tolerant. We observed hatch after short and long term exposure to temperatures below -20C, well below previously published thermal limit for the species. These results will be critical to inform future risk assessments and distribution modeling for this high risk invasive.