Project Number: 8010-22000-030-22-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Sep 25, 2017
End Date: Aug 31, 2018

Objective:
The objectives of this project are to develop methods for rearing spotted lantern fly to enable further research in the laboratory and conduct developmental biological studies, to identify and develop methods of rearing relevant species of insects for non-target host range evaluation of candidate exotic biocontrol organisms, and to conduct taxonomic research on relevant native natural enemies to enable their characterization and identification.

Approach:
The cooperator will: Participate in field collection of immature stages and adult spotted lantern fly in the currently infested state(s). Participate in basic biological (feeding and developmental) studies on LF in BIIR’s quarantine. Rear and identify any LF natural enemies obtained from field surveys in PA. Conduct a taxonomic review of species of Anastatus, a key group of potential lantern fly parasitoids. Survey for relevant non-target species of plant hoppers for host range evaluation, rear and identify any of their natural enemies, and develop laboratory rearing methods for the plant hoppers that can be transferred to other project researchers.