SpottedLanternFly Computer Vision Project

The purpose of this model is to identify Spotted Lanternflies(SLFs), as well as the life stage that they are in. The Spotted Lanternfly is a harmful invasive species in many states on the East Coast of the United States such as Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania, that is negatively affecting many native species and crops. If you want to learn more about the SLF and how it is effecting native species, go to this link: https://mda.maryland.gov/plants-pests/Pages/spotted-lantern-fly.aspx Another invasive species that I wanted to include in my model is Lymantria dispar, or the spongy moth. This invasive species can be found in the New England areas of the East Coast. Because the egg sacs of the SLF and the Lymantria dispar are very similar in appearance, and both species can be found in similar locations, I beleived that it would be useful to have them as an addition to this model. You can learn more about the Lymantria dispar and their negative effects on the environment in the United States here: https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/terrestrial/invertebrates/spongy-moth Having a model that can detect and categorize SLFs, as well as the adult Lymantria dispar and their eggs would help with keeping track of the population and spread of these species. The different classes comprised within my model are Spotted Lanternfly adults, Spotted Lanternfly late-nymphs, Spotted Lanternfly early nymphs, Spotted Lanternfly eggs, Lymantria dispar eggs, and the Lymantria dispar. I collected all of my data from observations on iNaturalist from these links: SLF- https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/324726-Lycorma-delicatula/browse_photos?order_by=created_at , Lymantria dispar- https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/47802-Lymantria-dispar/browse_photos?order_by=created_at This model was created for a class assignment in AI and Natural History at St. Mary’s College of Maryland.