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Infrared thermography for insect detection: lighting up the spotted lanternfly in the field

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Abstract

Unlike fireflies and other bioluminescent organisms, lanternflies (Insecta: Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) do not produce visible (400–700 nm) lights as their common name might suggest. However, they can be captured by thermal cameras at long wavelength infrared (8–14 μm). In this study, we tested infrared thermography as an innovative way to detect spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (White), a newly discovered invasive plant pest in North America, in the field. Using two different infrared cameras, adult L. delicatula on various bark surfaces in the field were detected. Significant temperature gradients were observed for different body parts, resulting in images showing exceptional morphological details at high magnification on the head, thorax, legs, and wings. Detection rate differed significantly between times of observation, ranging from 41.8% at 4:30 am to 33.2% at 7:00 am, and eventually dropped to 7.5% by 7:30 am. No significant difference in detection rate was found between thermal cameras. We suspect that active feeding and rapid hemolymph circulation in adults are responsible for their detection by infrared thermography. This breakthrough discovery could revolutionize early detection and rapid response strategies in spotted lanternfly management. Applications of infrared thermography in the field of entomology and the potential mechanism behind the lighting up of L. delicatula adults are discussed.

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Acknowledgements

We thank Matthew Hunter, Timothy Price, and Heather Leach for field and logistic assistance; Charles Bartlett for discussions on the cibarial pump in Fulgoridae and other planthoppers; Willistown Conservation Trust, Thornbury Township, and Marsh Creek State Park for study site access; and Robert Haack for reviewing an early version of the manuscript. Comments from the two anonymous reviewers and the subject editor are greatly appreciated. Mention of trade names or commercial products in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information and does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Funding

This work was supported by the Pennsylvania department of conservation and natural resources.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pennsylvania department of conservation and natural resources, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17105, USA

    Houping Liu

  2. Pennsylvania department of conservation and natural resources, 25185 Great Cove Road, McConnellsburg, PA, 17233, USA

    Robert Lusk

  3. 13 Harrison Rd W, West Chester, PA, 19380, USA

    Ross Gallardy

Authors
  1. Houping Liu
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  2. Robert Lusk
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  3. Ross Gallardy
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Contributions

HL and RL conceived study; RG and RL made initial observations; HL designed experiment, analyzed data, and wrote manuscript; HL, RL, and RG carried out field observations and approved manuscript.

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Correspondence to Houping Liu.

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All applicable international, national, and institutional guidelines for the care and use of animals were followed.

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Communicated by D. Weber.

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Liu, H., Lusk, R. & Gallardy, R. Infrared thermography for insect detection: lighting up the spotted lanternfly in the field. J Pest Sci 94, 231–240 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10340-021-01338-7

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