Spotted! Computer-aided individual photo-identification allows for mark-recapture of invasive spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula)

The spotted lanternfly is an invasive pest for which we lack individual movement data due in part to the difficulty posed by identification. We developed a computer‐aided method identify adult using wing spot patterns from photos processed software I3S and demonstrated method’s accuracy with lab field validations. Based on 176 individuals lab, showed that digitizing spots of one allowed 100% reliable errors user input variation angle image were largely negligible compared inter-individual variations. applied this context mark-recapture experiment assess feasibility field. initially identified total 84 unique lanternflies, 31 recaptured after four hours along 49 new individuals. established analysis recaptures can possibly be automated based scores may not require systematic visual pairwise comparison. demonstration effectiveness relatively small sample sizes makes it promising tool experimentation as well manipulations. Once validated larger datasets different contexts, will provide ample opportunity collect useful ecology greatly inform management.