Lycorma Delicatula Research Articles

Diverse Host Plants of the First Instars of the Invasive Lycorma delicatula: Insights from eDNA Metabarcoding.

Simple SummaryThe globalization of human activities, especially in agriculture, has facilitated the range expansion of insect pests, promoting species invasions in new territories. Here, we focused on the invasive spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula, an important economic pest, accidentally introduced in the United States and first detected in 2014. Our study investigated host-plant usage by the first nymphal instars, which are more challenging to find and monitor than other stages. Using DNA metabarcoding of nymphal gut contents (i.e., detection of DNA from multiple ingested plants) in this study we determined and characterized the ingested plants that could be included in a broad host-plant range of early nymphal stages of L. delicatula. This, in turn, will have important applications for developing effective management programs to control the invasive spotted lanternfly. The results from our study will be of great interest for all the forest managers and growers in the potential (national) range of the spotted lanternfly, and will help them ultimately minimize their efforts and expenses needed for managing this important pest.Identification of host plants of the invasive spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), has been the focus of many studies. While the adults and late nymphs are relatively easy to observe on plants and to use for molecular gut-content analysis, studying the early instars is more challenging. This study is the continuation of our ongoing efforts to determine the host range for each developmental stage of L. delicatula. In the present study, we focused exclusively on the first nymphal instars, and we used a novel approach, utilizing “bulk” DNA extracts for DNA metabarcoding of nymphal gut contents, to identify all the detectable plants that the nymphs had ingested prior to being collected. We were able to obtain high-quality amplicons (up to 406 bp) of a portion of the rbcL gene and detect 27 unique ingested plant species belonging to 17 families. Both native and introduced plants with the prevalence of trees and grasses were present among the ingested plants. We also identified 13 novel host plants that have not been previously reported for L. delicatula on the U.S. territory. The results from our study have important applications for developing effective programs on early monitoring of invasive L. delicatula.

Spotted lanternfly predicted to establish in California by 2033 without preventative management.

Models that are both spatially and temporally dynamic are needed to forecast where and when non-native pests and pathogens are likely to spread, to provide advance information for natural resource managers. The potential US range of the invasive spotted lanternfly (SLF, Lycorma delicatula) has been modeled, but until now, when it could reach the West Coast’s multi-billion-dollar fruit industry has been unknown. We used process-based modeling to forecast the spread of SLF assuming no treatments to control populations occur. We found that SLF has a low probability of first reaching the grape-producing counties of California by 2027 and a high probability by 2033. Our study demonstrates the importance of spatio-temporal modeling for predicting the spread of invasive species to serve as an early alert for growers and other decision makers to prepare for impending risks of SLF invasion. It also provides a baseline for comparing future control options.

Season-long infection of diverse hosts by the entomopathogenic fungus Batkoa major.

Populations of the entomopathogenic fungus Batkoa major were analyzed using sequences of four genomic regions and evaluated in relation to their genetic diversity, insect hosts and collection site. This entomophthoralean pathogen killed numerous insect species from 23 families and five orders in two remote locations during 2019. The host list of this biotrophic pathogen contains flies, true bugs, butterflies and moths, beetles, and barkflies. Among the infected bugs (Order Hemiptera), the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is a new invasive planthopper pest of various woody plants that was introduced to the USA from Eastern Asia. A high degree of clonality occurred in the studied populations and high gene flow was revealed using four molecular loci for the analysis of population structure. We did not detect any segregation in the population regarding host affiliation (by family or order), or collection site. This is the first description of population structure of a biotrophic fungus-generalist in the entomopathogenic Order Entomophthorales. This analysis aimed to better understand the potential populations of entomopathogen-generalists infecting emerging invasive hosts in new ecosystems.

Correction to The Probability of Spotted Lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), Escape Differs Among Life Stages and Between Two Trapping Techniques Commonly Used by Landowners, Sticky Bands and Duct Tape. The Great Lakes Entomologist 53(3-4): 170-177.

Correction to The Probability of Spotted Lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), Escape Differs Among Life Stages and Between Two Trapping Techniques Commonly Used by Landowners, Sticky Bands and Duct Tape. The Great Lakes Entomologist 53(3-4): 170-177.

Mapping the life-history, development, and survival of spotted lantern fly in occupied and uninvaded ranges

The Spotted Lantern Fly (SLF), Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), is a sap feeding pest native to southeast Asia that has become a global biosecurity threat following invasions into South Korea, Japan, and the United States in the last two decades. Environmental niche modelling has demonstrated considerable potential for further range expansions, including into Australia and Europe. Further analysis on the potential seasonal life-history and survival of this pest in its invasive range can inform monitoring programs and is a next step in biosecurity preparedness. Here, we incorporated eco-physiological information on the development and survival of SLF life stages across temperature regimes. Using gridded climatic data, we then mapped the developmental sequence of SLF across ranges already occupied in China, South Korea, and the United States, as well as uninvaded ranges in Australia and Europe. The model was able to capture global observations of the seasonal appearance of SLF and highlight regional and seasonal vulnerabilities in regions at risk of invasion. Policy makers can use these results to make science-based biosecurity decisions and target preparedness activities through improved life-history predictions in its invasive range.

Efficacy of Beauveria bassiana and Cordyceps javanica mycoinsecticides against spotted lanternflies, Lycorma delicatula, in laboratory bioassays

ABSTRACT The invasive spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (White), was first detected in southeastern Pennsylvania in 2014 and has since expanded its range to ten more states. Since fall 2017, we have found L. delicatula killed by Beauveria bassiana in multiple counties in southeastern Pennsylvania. Mycoinsecticides containing strains of entomopathogenic fungi are commercialised worldwide and could be a tool for managing L. delicatula populations. In 2020 we conducted laboratory bioassays on L. delicatula using five mycoinsecticides, including four strains of B. bassiana and one strain of Cordyceps javanica. Mycoinsecticides were directly applied to all L. delicatula nymphal instars and adults at three different stages of reproductive maturity. All B. bassiana mycoinsecticides were effective at killing L. delicatula under optimal conditions in the laboratory. Lycorma delicatula nymphs exposed to B. bassiana mycoinsecticides displayed mean survival times of 6.3–6.9 days and 90–93% mortality after 14 days, and adults displayed mean survival times of 7.2–9.8 days with 82–99% mortality after 14 days. PFR-97 killed L. delicatula at a slower rate than all B. bassiana mycoinsecticides tested with 43–57% mortality after 14 days. Adult L. delicatula males died significantly faster than females for all treatments except BioCeres.

Ecology and genetic structure of the invasive spotted lanternfly Lycorma delicatula in Japan where its distribution is slowly expanding

Lycorma delicatula has expanded its distribution from China to Japan, Korea, and the USA, causing significant economic damage to vineyards in the latter two countries. However, in Japan, L. delicatula has long been limited to the Hokuriku region, central Japan, and no significant damage to crops has been reported since it was first reported there in 2009. Manipulation experiments and field observations in the Hokuriku region, where winter precipitation is extremely high, revealed that egg numbers and hatchability were significantly reduced in exposed places, especially when wax was excluded from the egg mass. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the population in Japan could be divided into at least two groups. Most L. delicatula samples from Hokuriku formed a clade with those from northwestern China. Samples from Okayama, where the distribution of L. delicatula was recently confirmed, had the same haplotype as those from central China, Korea, and the USA. These results suggest that environmental factors and genetic characteristics of L. delicatula are involved in the relatively slow expansion of its distribution in Hokuriku. Conversely, in Okayama, where precipitation is relatively low, the rapidly increasing haplotype in Korea and the USA was detected, leading to concerns that its distribution will expand further.

Influencing factors for natural populations of Lycorma delicatula in different habitats

To explore the differences between growth and population dynamics of natural Lycorma delicatula in the plantations and semi-natural forests, the susceptible stages and major suppression factors were determined to provide basis for the prediction and controlling the pest. The development duration and life table of L. delicatula in different habitats were established by using tracking method. The index of exclusion effect for lethal factors and the K-value in each development stage were calculated. The population trends were analyzed through the survival curve and key drivers of population change. The results showed that the development duration of L. delicatula in the plantation habitat and semi-natural habitat was significantly different, with thelatter being 25.7 d longer than the former. There were significant differences in the development duration of 1st-3rd-instars nymphs and pre-oviposition period of adults between these two habitats, but no significant difference in the 4th-instar nymphs. The total mortality rate in the plantation habitat and semi-natural habitat was 83.6% and 98.6%, respectively. The index of population trend in the plantation habitat was significantly higher than that in the semi-natural habitat. The population of L. delicatula increased sharply in the plantation habitat, but showed a decline trend in the semi-natural habitat. All of the survival curves of L. delicatula were Deevey-Ⅲ type, and the EIPCs of the "parasitic natural enemies" in egg stage were the highest in both habitats as 1.3 and 1.6, and the total K values were 0.2 and 0.3, respectively. The regression slopes of K-value of natural enemies were the highest (both 0.6). These findings revealed that the semi-natural habitat played an important role in the natural regulation of L. delicatula.

Directed Sequencing of Plant Specific DNA Identifies the Dietary History of Four Species of Auchenorrhyncha (Hemiptera)

Abstract Auchenorrhyncha (Hemiptera) includes several families of sap-feeding insects that tend to feed on a wide-range of host plants. Some species within Auchenorrhyncha are major agricultural pests that transmit plant pathogens or cause direct feeding damage. Nearly all pest Auchenorrhyncha are highly polyphagous, have mobile nymphs, and colonize crops from noncrop habitats. We examined whether methods for gut content analysis developed for more specialized Hemiptera identify dietary history of polyphagous Auchenorrhyncha. We used high-throughput sequencing of the plant genes trnF and ITS to examine the dietary history of Circulifer tenellus (Baker) (Cicadellidae), Colladonus geminatus (Van Duzee) (Cicadellidae), Colladonus montanus reductus (Van Duzee) (Cicadellidae), and Lycorma delicatula (White) (Fulgoridae). C. tenellus is a vector of the vegetable pathogens Candidatus Phytoplasma trifolii and beat curly top virus. Both Colladonus species are vectors of Ca. Phytoplasma pruni, the pathogen associated with X-disease of stone fruits. Lycorma delicatula is an invasive pest of grape and ornamentals in the eastern United States. Results showed spring hosts for C. tenellus included Brassicaceae, especially Sisymbrium sp. (tumble mustard), and spring hosts for both Colladonus species included Taraxacum sp. (dandelion). Gut content analysis also detected a decrease in host-breadth by L. delicatula from early to late instars. Results demonstrate that directed sequencing of plant DNA identified the dietary history of leafhopper and planthopper pests. Expanded use of gut content analysis will help identify the noncrop sources of phytoplasma-infected C. tenellus and Colladonus, and to examine seasonal changes in host shifts by L. delicatula.

Spatial dynamics of spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula, invasion of the Northeastern United States

Spotted lanternfly (SLF), Lycorma delicatula (White) (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), is a non-native planthopper that recently established in the Northeastern United States. Little is known about the spatial dynamics of its invasion and key drivers associated with its regional spread. Here, using field survey data from a total of 241,366 survey locations from 2014–2019 in the eastern USA, we quantified rates of SLF spread and modeled factors associated with the risk of SLF invasion. During the study period, SLF invasion appears to be associated with both short- and long-distance dispersal. On average, the number of newly invaded counties per year increased since initial discovery, with 0–14 long-distance dispersal events per year and median jump distances ranging from 55 to 92 km/year throughout the study period. Radial rates of spread, based on two of the three analysis methods applied, varied from 38.6 to 46.2 km/year. A Cox proportional hazards model suggested that risk of SLF invasion increased with a proxy for human-aided dispersal, human population per county. We anticipate that SLF will continue to spread via both long- and short-distance dispersals, especially via human activities. Efforts to manage SLF populations potentially could target human-mediated movement of SLF to reduce rates of spread.

Survivorship and Development of the Invasive Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) on Wild and Cultivated Temperate Host Plants

The invasive spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula, (White Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) continues to spread throughout the Eastern United States. This species exhibits a broad host range, with tree of heaven, Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle, commonly referred to as the preferred host. Here, we evaluated 2-wk survivorship of early nymphal instars, late nymphal instars, and adult L. delicatula on single diets of ten wild and cultivated hosts: tree of heaven; apple, Malus domestica; peach, Prunus persica; black cherry, P. serotina Ehrh; black locust, Robinia pseudoacacia L.; black walnut, Juglans nigra L.; common hackberry Celtis occidentalis L.; mulberry Morus alba L.; sugar maple Acer saccharum Marshall; white oak, Quercus alba L.. Among them, early and late instars had significantly greater survivorship on tree of heaven and black walnut and adults had greatest survivorship on tree of heaven. Additionally, we evaluated development and survivorship of L. delicatula from newly hatched nymphs to adulthood on single diets of tree of heaven, black walnut, grapevine, apple, and peach, and mixed diets of tree of heaven plus one other host. Single host diets that supported L. delicatula development to adulthood were tree of heaven and black walnut. Interestingly, mixed diets also supported development, and reduced development time to adults by up to 12% compared with the single tree of heaven diet. Our results suggest that within agroecosystems and across landscapes, L. delicatula can develop on single hosts such as tree of heaven, but also on multiple host plants, yielding adults earlier in the growing season.

Discovery of two hypocrealean fungi infecting spotted lanternflies, Lycorma delicatula: Metarhizium pemphigi and a novel species, Ophiocordyceps delicatula

In the eastern United States, populations of the invasive spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula, can be infected by native fungal entomopathogens, including Batkoa major and Beauveria bassiana. In some areas of southeastern Pennsylvania, localized population collapses have been observed in L. delicatula populations to be caused by these pathogens. Two additional fungal pathogens were discovered infecting L. delicatula at low levels, and these were identified as Metarhizium pemphigi and Ophiocordyceps delicatula, a new species that has not been previously described. Therefore, four species of native entomopathogenic fungi have now been documented infecting this abundant, invasive planthopper that is spreading in the United States.

Phenology of Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) in Virginia, USA.

The spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (White), is an invasive planthopper that was first discovered in North America in Berks County, Pennsylvania in 2014. Currently, L. delicatula has spread to eight additional states and threatens agricultural, ornamental, and timber commodities throughout the United States. The timing of insect life events is very important in the development of pest management tools and strategies. In 2019 and 2020, L. delicatula phenology was successfully documented in Winchester, Virginia using weekly 5-min observational surveys at established monitoring plots. Each year, L. delicatula were active in the environment from May to November with initial detections of first, second, third, fourth, and adults occurring in May, May, June, June, and July, respectively. Cumulative average growing degree days were also calculated for the onset of each L. delicatula life stage using local weather data and a lower developmental threshold of 10°C. First-instar L. delicatula were initially observed at 135 and 111.5, adults at 835 and 887, and egg masses at 1673.5 and 1611.5 in 2019 and 2020, respectively. Combined, these data can be used by growers and land managers to facilitate timing of effective pest management strategies.

Spotted Lanternfly (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) Nymphal Dispersion Patterns and Their Influence on Field Experiments.

The spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) (White, 1845), is an invasive pest in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Understanding this pest’s dispersion patterns is fundamental for development of management and surveillance programs. To address this knowledge gap, we quantified spotted lanternfly nymph dispersion patterns by instar for rural and urban/suburban habitats, and we compared the number of sample units required for sticky traps and in situ visual counts to estimate population densities at several precisions. In addition, we assessed the ability of two experimental designs (completely random and randomized complete block) to detect management practices’ impacts in the field. All instars typically followed an aggregated dispersion pattern. Sample size and time requirements for checking and replacing sticky traps and for conducting in situ counts were similar, but in situ counts do not require purchasing traps, installation time, or delays before treatment, and do not remove insects. Although the cost for using in situ counts is likely less than for sticky traps, early instar spotted lanternfly nymph populations are harder to visually detect than later instars because of their small size, which may negate any cost advantage when treatments are applied early. In general, using a randomized complete block design resulted in higher statistical power than a completely random design, allowing detection of proportional population reductions of 10–20% less with equal replication. Studies aiming to evaluate treatments that reduce spotted lanternfly numbers by less than 60% will require researchers to evaluate the feasibility of using the required large sample sizes.

Early Response (2018–2020) to the Threat of Spotted Lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) in Pennsylvania

Abstract Spotted lanternfly (SLF), Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) is an invasive planthopper first detected in the United States in one county in Pennsylvania in September 2014. As of October 2020, 43 counties in nine states are under quarantine due to the presence of SLF in those areas, and it has been detected in 10 additional states. The greatest economic impacts from SLF have been reported from grape growers, nurseries, and Christmas tree growers, and it is considered a nuisance pest by residents. Because this insect feeds on over 70 species of herbaceous and woody trees and plants, it has the potential to cause wide ranging damage across agricultural, urban, suburban, and forested landscapes. Due to these widespread impacts, SLF management has demanded cooperation at local, state, regional, and national levels. However, the immediate response to the threat of SLF in Pennsylvania during the early phases of the infestation was a catalyst for initiating these efforts, and this response was coordinated via a partnership between the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, and the Pennsylvania State University College of Agricultural Sciences. The history of SLF in the United States is recounted, highlighting the early priorities that emerged. The resulting actions taken in 2018–2020 in response to these priorities, which involved research, Extension, and public awareness are summarized, and areas in which improvements are needed that have been identified are discussed.

Performance and host association of spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) among common woody ornamentals

Lycorma delicatula (spotted lanternfly) has a broad host range with a strong preference for the invasive host plant from its native range, tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima); it had long been speculated that L. delicatula could not develop or reproduce without access to tree of heaven. In 2019, we found that this assumption was incorrect, but fitness was reduced in the absence of A. altissima in that the number of egg masses laid was dramatically fewer for insects reared on suitable non-A. altissima host plants that had recently been established. We hypothesized that longer established, larger trees (of the same species) would improve the fitness of L. delicatula in the absence of tree of heaven. In spring 2020, we examined insect performance with and without access to A. altissima by tracking development, survival, host tree association and oviposition in large enclosures with trees planted two years prior to the study. Each enclosure included one each of Juglans nigra, Salix babylonica and Acer saccharinum along with either one A. altissima or one Betula nigra; these trees had twice the diameter of the same trees the previous year. We reared nymphs with and without access to A. altissima, released them into the corresponding large enclosures as third instars, and monitored them from early July 2020 through November 2020. We also determined whether lack of access to A. altissima by parents of L. delicatula have any fitness effects on offspring performance. To ensure adequate adult populations for comparing fecundity between treatments, third instars were released into the multi-tree enclosures due to high mortality in earlier instars that occurred in a similar study in 2019. Insect survival was higher and development faster with access to A. altissima. Third and fourth instar nymphs were most frequently observed on A. altissima when it was present, while adults were equally associated with A. saccharinum and A. altissima. In the absence of A. altissima, nymphs were most frequently found on S. babylonica, while adults were most often on A. saccharinum. Females with access to A. altissima deposited nearly 7-fold more egg masses than those without access to A. altissima, which is consistent with the difference in egg mass numbers between the two treatments the previous year; thus, our hypothesis was rejected. The offspring of parents that had been reared without access to A. altissima showed similar survival and development time from egg to adult as offspring from parents that never had access to A. altissima. These findings suggest that managers need to be aware that even in the absence of A. altissima in the landscape, several hardwood host trees can be utilized by L. delicatula to develop and reproduce, but fitness without A. altissima is likely to still be reduced.

Terrestrial eDNA survey outperforms conventional approach for detecting an invasive pest insect within an agricultural ecosystem

AbstractRecent methodological advances permit surveys for terrestrial insects from the direct collection of environmental DNA (eDNA) deposited on vegetation or other surfaces. However, in contrast to well‐studied aquatic applications, little is known about how detection rates for such terrestrial eDNA‐based surveys compare with conventional survey methods. Lycorma delicatula, the spotted lanternfly, is an emerging invasive insect in eastern North America, and a significant ecological and economic pest of forested and agricultural systems, especially grapes. During fall 2019, we conducted two rounds of paired eDNA and visual surveys for spotted lanternflies within 48 plots at 12 vineyards in New Jersey, USA. We compared detection probabilities within a multimethod occupancy modeling framework and used the results to extrapolate and inform survey design. The probability of detecting spotted lanternflies given presence in a plot was over two times higher for eDNA (84%) versus visual surveys (36%). In mid‐September, lanternfly eDNA was detected at five plots in three vineyards, while visual surveys revealed only a single individual in one plot. In early October, after dispersal of lanternflies into vineyards, lanternfly eDNA was detected in 12 plots within six vineyards compared with visual detections in six plots in two vineyards. Extrapolations based on detection and local‐scale occupancy rates indicate that only five and 12 plots would have been needed to positively detect lanternfly presence with 95% confidence using eDNA in contrast to 14 and 29 plots with visual surveys alone, respective to survey rounds. Log‐linear models revealed that visual counts of lanternflies were positively related to eDNA concentrations (R2 = 71%). We provide some of the first quantitative evidence to support the enhanced sensitivity of terrestrial eDNA approaches compared with conventional methods. Such methods can augment efforts to combat invasive species through improved ability to delimit invasion fronts, identify satellite populations, and confirm local eradications.

Many ways to land upright: novel righting strategies allow spotted lanternfly nymphs to land on diverse substrates.

Unlike large animals, insects and other very small animals are so unsusceptible to impact-related injuries that they can use falling for dispersal and predator evasion. Reorienting to land upright can mitigate lost access to resources and predation risk. Such behaviours are critical for the spotted lanternfly (SLF) (Lycorma delicatula), an invasive, destructive insect pest spreading rapidly in the USA. High-speed video of SLF nymphs released under different conditions showed that these insects self-right using both active midair righting motions previously reported for other insects and novel post-impact mechanisms that take advantage of their ability to experience near-total energy loss on impact. Unlike during terrestrial self-righting, in which an animal initially at rest on its back uses appendage motions to flip over, SLF nymphs impacted the surface at varying angles and then self-righted during the rebound using coordinated body rotations, foot-substrate adhesion and active leg motions. These previously unreported strategies were found to promote disproportionately upright, secure landings on both hard, flat surfaces and tilted, compliant host plant leaves. Our results highlight the importance of examining biomechanical phenomena in ecologically relevant contexts, and show that, for small animals, the post-impact bounce period can be critical for achieving an upright landing.

Modeling the life cycle of the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) with management implications

The spotted lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive pest that emerged in the US less than a decade ago. With few natural enemies and an ability to feed on a wide variety of readily available plants the population has grown rapidly. It is causing damage to a wide range of natural and economically important farmed plants and at present there is no known way to stop the growth and spread of the population. However, a number of control measures have been proposed to limit the growth and the effectiveness of some of these have been assessed via empirical studies. Studies to estimate the natural mortality rate of the lanternfly’s different life stages and other properties of its life cycle are also available. However, no attempt to integrate this empirical information to estimate population level characteristics such as the population growth rate and the potential effects of proposed control measures can be found in the literature. Here, we introduce a simple population dynamics model parameterized using available information in the literature to obtain estimates of this type. Our model suggests that the annual growth rate of the SLF population in the US is 5.47, that only three out of six proposed control measures considered here have the potential to decrease the population even if we can find and treat each SLF in every stage, and that even with a combined strategy involving the most effective proposed control measures about 35% of all SLF in the relevant stages must be found and treated to turn the current population growth into decline. Suggesting that eradication of the spotted lanternfly over larger geographical areas in the US will be challenging, and we believe that the modeling framework presented here may be useful in providing estimates to inform feasibility assessment of proposed management efforts.

Tracing the Origin of Korean Invasive Populations of the Spotted Lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae).

Simple SummaryLycorma delicatula (White), the spotted lanternfly (SLF) is known to be native to China, India, and Vietnam, but after the first detection in 2004 as invasive in Korea, it was also found in Japan in 2008 and the United States in 2014. As a polyphagous sap-sucking insect, the SLF seriously damages the host plant by sucking phloem sap and producing honeydew, which causes sooty mold disease on leaves and this damage eventually results in an economic loss by reducing the quality and yield of the fruits. After the emergence and spread of SLF in Korea, it has not been confirmed yet where they came from and how they invaded from the source region. To infer the most likely source population for the Korean invasive populations, we investigated the population structure of SLF including its native region (China) and invasive regions (Japan and Korea) using 15 microsatellite loci which were previously developed. Our study set out to solve the correlation between the source and invasive populations of SLF, especially with regards to identifying artificial transfer possibly reoccurring in other invasive regions.Lycorma delicatula (White) suddenly arrived in Korea where it rapidly spread out in the central region of Korea and caused serious damage to grape vineyards. To trace the source region of its invasiveness, population genetic structures were compared between the native region, China, and the introduced regions, Korea and Japan. We examined 762 individuals from 38 different population collections using 15 microsatellite loci. Both principal coordinate and structure analyses displayed that the Chinese populations were separated into three subgroups which were located significantly far apart from each other. Among them, the Shanghai population was located closest to most Korean populations. Based on the genetic relationships and structures, it was revealed that the multiple introductions into Korea occurred at least three times. In addition, the Shanghai population was strongly estimated to be a source of initial invasive populations of Korea. In addition, analysis of the approximate Bayesian computation suggested simultaneous spread from two distant locations early in the invasion by artificial transportation of the host plants bearing egg masses. Our population genetics study can provide a precedent case with regards to identifying spreads by anthropogenic outcomes in other invasive regions.