Virginia might have a new partner in battling one of its most destructive insect pests. Researchers at Virginia Tech, led by Assistant Professor Scotty Yang from the Department of Entomology, have discovered a method to use ants to detect the presence of spotted lanternflies in new regions.
Published in Pest Management Science and Neobiota, new research from Virginia Tech offers an innovative way to detect spotted lanternfly invasions using ants.
Invasive Lanternflies Spread Across the U.S., Leaving DNA-Rich Honeydew in Their Wake
Since arriving from Asia in 2014, spotted lanternflies have spread across the U.S., damaging crops and trees. These pests feed on sap and leave behind honeydew—a sugary waste product that contains their DNA.
Ants, which actively seek out and consume honeydew, sparked an idea for Assistant Professor Scotty Yang: could they help detect lanternflies?
The team found that ants foraging near infestations carry the insect’s DNA in their bodies. Using environmental DNA (eDNA) testing and PCR analysis, researchers could identify lanternfly presence—even if the bugs weren’t seen.
Yang’s team calls the method “antDNA.” A single honeydew meal left DNA traces in ants for up to five days, and ants could detect infestations up to 100 meters (328 feet) away.
The spotted lanternfly poses a significant risk to high-value crops and can even become a problem in residential areas. It feeds on a wide range of plants—including grapevines, hops, and hardwood trees—weakening them and leaving behind sticky honeydew, which encourages the growth of sooty mold and causes further damage.
These pests are notoriously difficult to manage once they establish themselves, often requiring multiple strategies for control. Early detection is key—catching them before populations explode makes containment much easier.
AntDNA Offers a Faster, Smarter Way to Detect Lanternflies Before Infestations Grow
That’s why the antDNA method is so promising, according to Professor Scotty Yang. Traditional detection methods rely on spotting adult lanternflies or their egg masses, which is challenging until infestations grow large. By then, they’re far more difficult to eliminate. With antDNA, teams can simply collect ants from an area and test them for traces of lanternfly DNA—saving time, money, and helping protect affected plants.
“Ants are everywhere—whether in forests, farmlands, or cities,” Yang noted. “Their constant foraging makes them ideal for detecting lanternfly DNA. This method isn’t restricted by location, and because ant sampling is already well-established, it’s easy to scale up.”
The potential of this discovery reaches beyond just lanternflies. Any insect that produces honeydew—and leaves DNA in the process—could be tracked using this technique. That opens the door to smarter, earlier protection for vulnerable crops, forests, and ecosystems.
Yang’s lab is now creating a portable antDNA testing kit for use in the field, allowing for on-site molecular analysis. Results could be ready within hours, enabling quicker response to new infestations as they emerge.
Read the original article on: Science Alert
Read more: Smart Brain Implants Now Self-Adjust for Better Parkinson’s Treatment