A recent finding of spotted lanternfly in St. Catharines, Ontario, has raised concerns about the invasive insect making its way into Canada from the United States. Although there are no confirmed reproducing populations of spotted lanternfly in Canada yet, experts warn that the insect poses a significant threat to vineyards, fruit trees, and hardwoods due to its feeding habits that can lead to the death of grapevines.
A resident of Ontario, Aidan Dagg, discovered a deceased spotted lanternfly and shared the observation on iNaturalist, a platform for identifying plants and animals. Dagg, an inspector at a nursery in St. Catharines, had been monitoring for the insect for several years and this marked his first encounter with it.
According to Diana Mooij from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), the spotted lanternfly has a wide range of plant hosts and is particularly hazardous to the grape and wine industries. Following Dagg’s report, CFIA inspectors promptly responded, retrieving 12 dead adult spotted lanternflies from the same shipment of planting pots imported from Pennsylvania last fall.
Research scientist Amanda Roe explained that spotted lanternflies often hitchhike in shipments and on vehicles, making their way across borders. They are not strong flyers but are adept at latching onto surfaces for transport. Roe’s work with Natural Resources Canada in Sault Ste. Marie revealed that adult spotted lanternflies can cling to a vehicle hood at speeds of up to 95 kilometers per hour.
Since its initial detection in the U.S. in 2014, the spotted lanternfly has spread to 19 states, causing substantial economic losses if left unchecked. A study by Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences estimated significant annual economic losses and job impacts in Pennsylvania due to the insect’s presence.
Melody Keena, a retired research entomologist, highlighted that warmer temperatures favor spotted lanternfly populations, allowing them to thrive and reproduce more efficiently. Despite the challenges posed by winter conditions, the insect has demonstrated resilience and adaptability to survive in various climates.
The CFIA urges vigilance in spotting and reporting spotted lanternflies to prevent their spread. Taking immediate action upon discovery is crucial to managing the threat posed by this invasive species.
