Podcast Summary: "Why Do You Need to Squish Spotted Lanternflies?"
Episode Release Date: June 4, 2025
Introduction
In this engaging episode of "Who Smarted?", the dynamic hosts Trusty and Robert Maroon delve into the pressing issue of the spotted lanternfly infestation in the United States. Designed to educate and entertain young minds, the podcast combines humor with valuable scientific insights, making complex environmental topics accessible and interesting for children and their families.
Meet the Hosts
- Trusty: The adventurous and witty host eager to tackle environmental challenges.
- Robert Maroon: A dino hunter and all-around animal expert, bringing expertise and humor to the discussion.
The Invasion of the Spotted Lanternfly
Timestamp: [00:00 - 01:56]
The episode kicks off with Trusty and Robert in the great outdoors, actively hunting spotted lanternflies. Trusty presents a playful quiz question to the listeners:
Trusty [00:56]: "Do you know why we need to squish spotted lanternflies? Is it because A, they've been spotted committing crimes, B, they steal lanterns and fly off with them, or C, they're an invasive species? The answer is C."
Robert confirms that these insects are invading his garden, setting the stage for a deeper exploration into their impact.
Understanding Invasive Species
Timestamp: [03:17 - 04:17]
Trusty introduces the concept of invasive species, prompting Robert to define them:
Robert Maroon [03:17]: "An invasive species is any species that's introduced into an environment it's not normally found in, where it overpopulates and harms the environment."
Trusty emphasizes the significance of this issue by highlighting how the spotted lanternfly first appeared in Pennsylvania in 2014 and became a major problem in the Northeastern USA by 2022.
How Spotted Lanternflies Arrived in the US
Timestamp: [04:09 - 05:07]
The hosts explore the means by which these lanternflies arrived in the United States:
Robert Maroon [04:09]: "They hitchhiked by having their eggs attach to objects like people, animals, goods being shipped, or vehicles."
This accidental introduction has allowed the lanternflies to spread rapidly, causing ecological disruptions.
Native Habitat and Natural Regulation
Timestamp: [05:26 - 07:04]
Trusty raises an important question about the lanternfly's origin:
Trusty [05:07]: "If the spotted lanternfly is an invasive species here, does that mean it's not invasive in the place that it came from?"
Robert explains that the lanternfly is native to China and parts of Vietnam, where their population is naturally controlled by parasitic wasps.
In a humorous and imaginative segment, they depict a "Parasitic Wasp Ride" to illustrate how these wasps regulate the lanternfly population:
Parasitic Wasp [07:03]: "You're in the forest of China, where the parasitic wasp lays its eggs inside the body of its host, the spotted lanternfly."
The Damage Caused by Spotted Lanternflies
Timestamp: [11:29 - 13:04]
Post-commercial breaks, Trusty and Robert return to discuss the environmental impact:
Robert Maroon [11:29]: "The spotted lanternfly feeds on the woody parts of plants by sucking sap through tiny holes."
Trusty probes further:
Trusty [12:24]: "To what, smarty pants? To get sick, to grow too big, or to die?"
Robert underscores the severity:
Robert Maroon [12:33]: "The lanternflies are plant killers."
They elaborate on how the sugary waste left by the lanternflies fosters mold, disrupting photosynthesis and ultimately leading to the death of plants. This not only affects trees but also vital ecosystems reliant on them.
Reproduction and Population Growth
Timestamp: [13:04 - 14:25]
The hosts highlight the rapid reproduction rate of lanternflies:
Trusty [13:04]: "When a spotted lanternfly lays its eggs, how many eggs does it typically lay? Is it A, 10 to 20, B, 30 to 50, or C, over 100?"
Trusty [13:22]: "If you said B, 30 to 50, you're right."
With each lanternfly capable of laying 30 to 50 eggs, the population can explode exponentially, posing a significant threat to various tree species, including the favored Tree of Heaven, apricot, cherry, walnut trees, and especially grapevines, which impacts northeastern US vineyards.
Control Methods and Community Action
Timestamp: [14:25 - 17:09]
Trusty inquires about measures to control the infestation and how listeners can help:
Robert Maroon [14:35]: "Experts are suggesting removing the Tree of Heaven from our environment entirely, as it's the lanternfly's preferred host."
Other strategies include:
- Sticky Traps: Placed around tree trunks to catch nymphs before they mature.
- Egg Mass Removal: Scraping off brown egg masses and disposing of them safely.
They also encourage personal action:
Robert Maroon [16:20]: "If you see spotted lanternflies where you live, get squishing, step on as many as you can."
Trusty reassures listeners:
Robert Maroon [16:32]: "Absolutely. The Department of Agriculture encourages it."
However, he emphasizes that while lanternflies are not harmful to humans, their impact on the environment necessitates vigilant action to prevent their spread.
Conclusion and Call to Action
As the episode wraps up, Trusty and Robert reinforce the importance of community involvement in combating the spotted lanternfly infestation. They encourage listeners to stay informed, identify the pests, and take proactive measures to protect local ecosystems.
Trusty [17:09]: "This episode, Spotted Lanternflies was written by Phil Jeremy and voiced by Jonathan Re Gear, Max Kamasky, and Jerry Colbert."
Key Takeaways
- Spotted Lanternflies are an invasive species originating from China and Vietnam, posing significant threats to various trees and plants in the United States.
- Reproduction Rate: Each lanternfly can lay 30 to 50 eggs, leading to rapid population growth.
- Environmental Impact: They damage plants by sucking sap and leaving sugary waste that fosters mold, inhibiting photosynthesis and causing plant death.
- Control Measures: Include removing preferred host trees, using sticky traps, scraping off egg masses, and squishing the pests as encouraged by agricultural authorities.
- Community Involvement: Essential in monitoring and controlling the spread to protect local ecosystems and agricultural interests.
Credits
This informative episode was written by Phil Jeremy and voiced by Jonathan Re Gear, Max Kamasky, and Jerry Colbert. The technical direction and sound design were handled by Josh Hahn, with Max Kamasky serving as the associate producer. The theme song was created by Brian Squishy Suarez, with lyrics by Adam Stomps Davis. "Who Smarted?" is proudly created and produced by Adam Tex Davis and Jerry Cole Colbert, under Atomic Entertainment.
This episode of "Who Smarted?" successfully blends humor with crucial environmental education, equipping young listeners with the knowledge and motivation to engage in meaningful conversations and actions against invasive species like the spotted lanternfly.