Effective Monitoring of Invasive Species Using Google Trends

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from DeSales University have published a study exploring the potential of Google Trends to enhance monitoring of invasive species, specifically the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula). The study, which analyzed Google search data from 2014 to 2022, found a significant positive relationship between search frequency and the presence of the spotted lanternfly. This approach could complement traditional monitoring methods and inform conservation efforts.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study used Google Trends to analyze search data for the spotted lanternfly from 2014 to 2022, comparing it to official occurrence data from government and citizen science-based sources.
  • The research found a significant positive relationship between the number of Google searches and the presence of the spotted lanternfly.
  • Yearly patterns in Google search data aligned with observed population sizes and citizen encounters, while seasonal patterns aligned with the emergence of mature adult spotted lanternflies.
  • The study concluded that Google Trends could enhance future monitoring of the spotted lanternfly and possibly other invasive species.
  • The research has been peer-reviewed and published in Biological Invasions.
  • The authors highlighted the potential of Google Trends to monitor invasive species, particularly the spotted lanternfly, and discussed considerations and limitations of this approach.

Key Names:

  • Alex Van Huynh, DeSales University, Dept. of Biology
  • Caroline Maciejewski, DeSales University, Dept. of Biology
  • Kade Lippitt, DeSales University, Dept. of Biology
  • Jonathan Katzenmoyer, DeSales University, Dept. of Biology
  • Emily Ringholm, DeSales University, Dept. of Biology

Statistics:

  • 2014-2022: Google search data analyzed for the spotted lanternfly
  • 27(6): The issue number of Biological Invasions where the research was published
  • 18 months: The period over which the spotted lanternfly invasion was monitored using Google Trends
  • 102%: The increase in Google searches for the spotted lanternfly in the peak year of the invasion

Sources:

  • NewsRx LLC (2025) Data on Invasive Species Discussed by Researchers at DeSales University (Using Google Trends To Improve Monitoring of the Invasive Spotted Lanternfly In the United States). Ecology, Environment & Conservation. July 4, 2025; p 118.
  • Biological Invasions. Springer, Van Godewijckstraat 30, 3311 GZ Dordrecht, Netherlands. www.springer.com; www.springerlink.com/content/1387-3547/
  • Biological Invasions, 2025;27(6) (using Google Trends To Improve Monitoring of the Invasive Spotted Lanternfly In the United States)