The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), indigenous to parts of Asia, has caused significant damage in at least 17 states. ⁠ ⁠ They feed on many types of plants but are particularly lethal for the invasive tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) and grapevines. While setting traps and visual inspections can help monitor the spread, these methods are limited in their coverage and not entirely reliable. ⁠ ⁠ However, scientists at Rutgers University have discovered an additional tool that may help target this unwanted pest. ⁠ ⁠ Two species of bats, the big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus) and the eastern red bat (Lasiurus borealis), prey on the destructive insect. ⁠ ⁠ Between 2018 and 2022, samples of bat guano collected from five species revealed the presence of lanternfly DNA. Researchers believe that guano-based monitoring could be integrated into pest surveillance networks, helping identify lanternfly hotspots. ⁠ ⁠ To read the full story, visit the “News” section in our November/December...