Intraguild predation and functional responses of mantis species in biocontrol of spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula, Hemiptera: Fulgoridae): Implications for synergistic pest management

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Mantises are capable of preying on the adult stage of the spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula White, under natural conditions. In the present study, we investigated cannibalism and intraguild predation in Tenodera sinensis (Ts) and/or Hierodula patellifera (Hp) at different prey densities and functional responses and predatory interactions at different combinations of predators ( T. sinensis and/or H. patellifera ) with 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 L. delicatula adults. Three predator combinations were used, namely, the conspecific Ts+Ts and Hp+Hp combinations and the heterospecific Ts+Hp combination, and all the predators used in the experiments were female adults. With increasing prey density, the cannibalism rate in the conspecific Ts+Ts and Hp+Hp combinations and the rate of intraguild predation in the heterospecific Ts+Hp combination decreased significantly, and the degree of cannibalism in the conspecific combinations was greater than that of intraguild predation in the heterospecific combination. The functional response results revealed that the conspecific and heterospecific combinations exhibited Holling type II functional responses under five different prey densities. The proportion of prey consumed and the search efficiency of all predator combinations decreased with increasing prey density. For the Ts + Hp heterospecific combination, the attack efficiency was the best ( a'/T h ), the attack rate ( a' ) was 0.9318, the handling time ( T h ) was 0.0536, and the maximum theoretical rate of prey consumed in 24 h ( T/T h ) was 18.6452. The multiplicative risk model analysis revealed that the heterospecific Ts+Hp combination had an additive effect at all prey densities, whereas the conspecific Ts+Ts and Hp+Hp combinations had an antagonistic effect except when the prey density was 4. These results indicate that both T. sinensis and H. patellifera have promising biocontrol effects on L. delicatula adults, that intraguild predation between them is weak and that their interspecific competition has additive effects and that they have the potential to be effective biocontrol agents for synergistic control of L. delicatula . This study explores the biocontrol potential of two mantis species, Tenodera sinensis and Hierodula patellifera , in controlling adult spotted lanternfly ( Lycorma delicatula White, (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae). The results indicate that both mantis species exhibit promising biocontrol effects on L. delicatula adults, with their combined action showing additive effects. These findings suggest their potential as effective and synergist biocontrol agents for L. delicatula management. • The spotted lanternfly is a global invasive pest, damaging fruit crops, nurseries, and forests in invaded regions. • Chemical control fails to curb spotted lanternfly spread, urging sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives. • This study explores mantises as biocontrol agents against adult spotted lanternflies for eco-friendly management. • Evaluating mantis predation on SLF adults reveals insights into using natural predators to reduce populations. • Findings highlight integrating biocontrol into pest management to overcome chemical limitations and restore balance.