A new online tool, PestWatch, created using research by scientists in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences helps predict the seasonal egg hatch for spotted lanternflies, according to a staff report from the Morrisons Cove Herald.

PestWatch uses weather records for specific dates and durations to offer an estimate of first instar emergence. The estimate is based on current temperature conditions, according to lead researcher Erica Smyers.

Curious residents can use the tool to zero in on a region and check lanternfly egg hatch probabilities. The technology uses weather conditions, a determinant factor in the size of lanternfly broods.

Colors indicate the probability of a hatch, from light yellow representing no hatches to dark burgundy for 100 percent chance.

Lately, the predominant color in Pennsylvania has been burgundy. The color signifies that temperature conditions are ripe for egg hatchings.

“Having a better idea of when eggs will hatch can help with control tactics to reduce the number of first-instar nymphs,” said Smyers.

Read more about the tool in the Morrisons Cove Herald.