Help wanted: Catch 10 spotted lanterflies for research

There’s an innovative study called the Spotted Lanternfly Invasion Archive. The project was co-founded by Dr. Michelle Duennes at Saint Vincent College and Professor Al McDonnell at Chatham University.

Catch 10 live spotted lanterflies, put them in alcohol and drop them off at one of the many locations in a four county area.

They are asking that residents of Allegheny, Westmoreland, Washington and Butler Counties catch 10 spotted lanterflies, five female and five males.

So how does one catch a live spotted lanterfly, as they are elusive. Dr. Duennes says it’s easy. Take a clear plastic bottle, come at the insect from the front and it will jump right in. Instructions on how to preserve the insect and get the pest into the hands of the researchers will be sent to participants.

This important research project will help us better understand this invasive insect.

Here’s how to get your kit to to send back 10 spotted lanterflies to be studied as part of the project.