A recent discovery of spotted lanternflies in St. Catharines, Ont., has raised concerns about the invasive insect potentially making its way into Canada from the United States. While there are currently no confirmed reproducing populations of spotted lanternflies in Canada, experts warn that these insects can pose a serious threat to vineyards, fruit trees, and hardwoods due to their feeding habits that involve extracting plant sap and causing harm to grapevines.
In a recent incident, Aidan Dagg, a resident of Ontario and an inspector at a nursery in St. Catharines, found a dead spotted lanternfly and documented it on iNaturalist, a platform where individuals share and identify plants and animals. This discovery marked the first time Dagg had encountered the insect after actively searching for it over the past few years.
According to Diana Mooij from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), the spotted lanternfly has a wide range of host plants, posing a significant threat to various tree species and agricultural industries, particularly the grape and wine sectors. Upon reporting the find to the CFIA, inspectors promptly responded and collected 12 deceased adult spotted lanternflies from a shipment of planting pots imported from Pennsylvania, which had been stored since the previous fall.
Research scientist Amanda Roe explained that spotted lanternflies often travel through shipments and can easily hitch a ride on vehicles of travelers returning from the U.S. Although they may struggle with long-distance flights over the Great Lakes, they excel at hitchhiking, clinging onto flat surfaces such as cars. The insect’s ability to attach to vehicles and trains at all life stages makes it highly adaptable for transport.
Originating in the U.S. in 2014, spotted lanternflies have now infested 19 states, with potential devastating economic consequences if left unchecked. A study conducted by Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences in 2019 estimated significant economic losses in Pennsylvania due to the insect’s presence, indicating the urgency of controlling its spread.
While warmer temperatures favor the survival and reproduction of spotted lanternflies, the insect also exhibits resilience to cold weather, enabling it to thrive and spread despite varying climate conditions. The CFIA recommends vigilance in spotting these insects and prompt reporting to prevent their proliferation in Canada.
