BLACKSBURG, Va. (WSET) — There’s an unlikely ally in the fight against the spotted lanternfly, and it’s something you’re likely very familiar with: Ants!
Scotty Yang with Virginia Tech’s Department of Entomology said new research shows that by studying the tiny insect, we may be able to help stop the spread of the Spotted Lanternfly.
Spotted Lanternflies secrete a sugary substance, called honeydew, which ants then feed on. That honeydew contains lanternfly DNA, so if ants have ingested the substance, researchers can track if lanternflies are present in the area, even before they’re noticeable in the environment…