spotted lanternfly
A tracing technique involving a stable nitrogen isotope is giving scientists a new window into the life cycle of the invasive spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula). Sprayed on host plants, the isotope is ingested by spotted lanternflies that feed on them, thus labeling the insects so they can be traced for life, from egg to adult. (Photo by Emelie Swackhamer, Penn State University, Bugwood.org)