Researchers in Pennsylvania are asking people to collect fireflies for science

LATROBE, Pa. (KDKA) – When you see a spotted lanternfly, you can either step on it or ignore it.

But there is something you can do to help Pennsylvania scientists learn everything about these rare insects that shouldn’t be here.

All you have to do is grab the light and give it to the researchers at Saint Vincent College. They have been collecting them for several years as they grow their historical collection and try to find out how these organisms adapt to new conditions.

Dr. Michelle Duennes, an assistant professor of biology at the College of Saint Vincent, sees the spotted lanternflies’ overstaying their welcome as a unique opportunity to study and document the spread of an invasive species.

“Studying how spotted lanternflies cope with this new environment and how they change in response to it,” said Duennes.

He created the Spotted Lanternfly Invasion Archive with biochemist Dr. Al McDonnell at Chatham University. They model the collection of these organisms. The research project is supported by the help of students and people in the community.

“Because a lot of people really want to help us figure out how we can stop the spotted fly and stop other species that can be harmful,” Duennes said.

There are many things we don’t know about these amazing plant hoppers. Duennes says the main data researchers want to collect on pests is their DNA.

“It can tell us where they came from. It can tell us how far they travel to mate. It can tell us how different their genes are. Now, it’s important to measure because the genes of genetics are more diverse, more adaptable, and more likely to stay,” said Duennes.

They will also look at which plants are the best for these insects, what kills them and what kills them.

Duennes said Dr. McDonnell of Chatham University is studying the lanternfly’s protein and lipid content.

They want people in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties to become citizen scientists and start trapping adult flies instead of swatting them. They prefer it to be in good condition.

“Well, would you take it alive?” KDKA-TV’s Jessica Guay asked.

“Yes, if people are brave enough now,” said Duennes.

You can register to participate. They will send you the kit and two collection tubes. But you can start again now.

“While they’re waiting for the kit, they can have an airtight container. Put the germs in it, put it in the fridge, or put it in alcohol, and when you get the kit, you can pass it on,” he said.

Duennes know the trick, so they won’t jump in your face. He said all you need is an airtight plastic bottle.

“You put them on them, they’ll jump into the bottle. And then you can take that bottle full of them, put it in the freezer, and once they’re dead you can deal with them . But it’s surprising how well it works,” he said.

You will need to freeze or store the lanternflies in high-proof alcohol. You can then transfer them into the tube that will come with your kit.

Duennes said they ask participants to hold them every year. They had over 100 people participate and collect samples.

They hope that other researchers will use their data to develop things that stop their movement. So remember, see and scoop ’em.

“Because they haven’t been here very long. There are still many results to be seen from being here that needed more time to develop. So, not there’s still a lot to learn and see what happens with them,” said Duennes.

Research so far shows that it does not kill a group of plant species except the tree of heaven, which is also invasive.

Duennes shared some interesting things she’s noticed since starting their project. They are getting more reports of people seeing fly-eating birds and lanternfly numbers are dropping dramatically in some areas.

If you want to help catch them, you can sign up by filling out an application online. Researchers plan to set up more drop-off sites throughout the city, and they will be selective.