The assassin unleashes the beetle at mating

Male beetles when attempting to mate with decoys are a fake beetle that will be destroyed by a 4,000 volt electric current.

According to National Geographic, Epidemic beetles (EAB) are harmful beetles that kill hundreds of millions of native ash trees in North America since 2002. Michael Domingue, entomologist, and colleagues At the University of Pennsylvania (PSU), USA, plan to destroy the EAB by creating a fake female capable of attracting males. This fake female is equipped with a 4,000 volt power source to kill any male that touches it.

The fake EAB beetle is in second place from right to right.(Photo: Rebecca Hale).

Initially, the team used a 3D printer to create a rough version of the EAB beetle that served as bait. The male EAB saw this crude version but did not approach. Later, they created an EAB model that looked more realistic, with emerald green color and a light-scattering surface structure.

The scientists split into two experimental groups, a group of real EAB beetles died and the other group was the fake EAB beetle. The results showed that the number of males landing on these two groups was equal.

When the male lands on the fake EAB bait, the 4,000 volt electric current immediately releases, killing it immediately. Destroy the "mistress" , this fake EAB continues to wait for the next victim.

The installation of fake insects as bait in the area has not been attacked by EAB can help detect the spread of this beetle and draw appropriate precautions.

"If we knew earlier than where EAB appeared, we would have better measures , " Domingue said.