As 2023 comes to an end, iEcoLab is taking the time to reflect on notable research produced this past year. During her time as a post-doctoral fellow, Dr. Nadege Belouard along with Dr. Jocelyn Behm investigated a new technique researchers can use to identify spotted lanternfly individuals. In the publication titled, “Spotted! Computer-aided individual photo-identification allows for mark-recapture of invasive spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula)”, Belouard & Behm determine the effectiveness of software I3S to identify previously photographed individuals. The software allows the user to upload a photo of an organism and mark unique spots on an individual, like spotted lanternfly. Through lab validation, the software proved to be 100% reliable to identify an individual spotted lanternfly. When tested in the field, of 89 individuals originally photographed, 31 were recaptured 4 hours later. The novel technique to track individual spotted lanternfly demonstrates promising potential to be used in field and lab experiments to inform management of the invasive insect.
Belouard, N & JE Behm. 2023. Multiple paternity in the invasive spotted lanternfly (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae). Environmental Entomology, 1-7.