Project:

How does the DNA Barcode of the Spotted Lanternfly's gut display its ability to ingest a wide range of plants?

Students:

Emerson Kiernan, Jade-Ashley Lindo, Indira Mishra-LInger

School:

The Spence School, Manhattan

Mentors:

Aruna Chavali

Abstract:

As Spotted Lantern Flies have become quite prevalent in the United States, we are curious if there are lookalike species like tiger moths, leopard moths, and more, that are causing inaccuracies in data about lantern flies. By analyzing whether the samples we collected are truly lantern flies or if they are lookalikes, we can help scientists to identify if the lookalikes could be getting misidentified. This also helps to understand convergent evolution and ecological adaptation.

Poster:

Team samples: