Spatial Distribution and Environmental Factor Analysis of the Invasive Alien Species Spotted Lanternfly ( Lycorma delicatula ) in South Korea

The spotted lanternfly ( Lycorma delicatula ) is an invasive alien species that has rapidly expanded across South Korea since its population began to surge in 2006. This study analyzed the spatiotemporal distribution patterns and environmental drivers of the species following its nationwide expansion, utilizing national survey data from 2016 to 2024, which were classified into three consecutive periods, and applying Local Moran's I and generalized additive models (GAM). Local Moran's I analysis revealed a spatial transition where high‐high clusters shifted approximately twice as far from major grape‐growing areas (21.88–40.59 km) between the first period (2016–2018) and the subsequent periods (2019–2024). This shift suggests that intensive, agriculture‐centered pest control may temporarily displace populations to the periphery. GAM results showed that the models for the second and third periods explained over 60% of the deviance, with climatic variables such as temperature and precipitation emerging as highly significant predictors. Furthermore, an interaction analysis between human population size and distance to major vineyards indicated that high occurrence probabilities were maintained in densely populated areas near vineyards. These findings suggest that after intensive control is followed by spatial dispersal, populations can re‐establish and stabilize in new habitats mediated by climatic suitability and urban connectivity. Future management strategies should transition from localized control to a broad‐scale response system that integrates climatic suitability with human‐spatial networks.