Episode Details

In today's episode, we talk with Dr. Robyn Underwood of Penn State's Lopez-Uribe Lab. We've invited Robyn as she has researched and written about the Spotted Lantern Fly and how its presence can impact honey production.

Have you ever tasted your honey and thought was a bit off, or perhaps… way off? Maybe even awful? If you are along the East Coast of the United States and now even parts of the Midwest… check to see if you have the Spotted Lantern Fly in your State and locale.

If you do live in an area with the SLF… then what you may be tasting… what your bees may be collecting, is the 'honey' created from the sweet 'honeydew' excrement from the this imported leafhopper from China.

(Yes, the bees can collect enough of the honeydew to produce frames of SLF 'honey'…)

It is a fascinating discussion of yet another invasive species you need to be aware of. Even if you do not live in one of the 13 states currently dealing with this leafhopper, you should know about it. The SLF is spreading fast, preferring the sweet sap of over 70 different plant species, especially grape plants, maple, and the Tree of Heaven.

To add insult to injury, the excremented honeydew, attracts not only honey bees, but other insects including wasps, plus, it builds up and promotes the growth of a dark sooty mold can will cover everything.

Listen today and be on the watch for the Spotted Lantern Fly!

We hope you enjoy the episode. Leave comments and questions in the Comments Section of the episode's website.

Links and websites mentioned in this podcast:

• Penn State Extension Website about the Spotted Lantern Fly: https://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly
• Robyn's Research on the Spotted Lantern Fly and Honey Bees: https://academic.oup.com/jee/article-abstract/112/6/2993/5523056?redirectedFrom=fulltext
• Beekeeping Today Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beekeepingtodaypodcast
• Kim's Climate Change Blog: https://www.growingplanetmedia.com/blog
• Honey Bee Obscura: https://www.honeybeeobscura.com

______________

This episode is brought to you by Global Patties! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at http://globalpatties.com and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode!

We welcome Betterbee as sponsor of today's episode. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com

Thanks to Strong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about heir line of probiotics in our

Listen Now