Description
The Spotted Lantern Fly (SLF), also known as Lycorma delicatula, a beautiful “planthopper,” recently identified and denounced as an invasive species to the northeastern United States, is affecting apiculture by altering typical honey production by Apis Mellifera. Puncturing the leaves of trees, it excretes large quantities of sticky, sweet honeydew as they feed on plant sap which the honeybee converts into a unique type of honey.
Honey made from SLF honeydew has a smoky odor, and the color is dark brown but not as dark or black as buckwheat honey. The honeydew honey is not as sweet as other honey and has a lingering aftertaste. Honeydews have more minerals, macro, and micronutrients.
Besides all the negatives regarding SLF infestation in the northeast, one positive note for the honeybee: unlike honeydew produced by aphids, the Spotted-Lantern Fly honeydew gathered and stored by bees is low enough in ash content to serve as an excellent cold-weather food source. This supports healthier, stronger hives, which can better withstand parasitic mites, a much more dire threat.
Expect Dr. Kotlar’s lecture to last 60 minutes with Q&A.
Sunday, November 12th, 7:00 pm EST
English 
Українська