A recent finding of spotted lanternfly in St. Catharines, Ontario, has reignited worries about the invasive insect making its way to Canada from the United States. Although there are no confirmed reproducing populations of spotted lanternflies in Canada yet, experts emphasize the significant threat these insects pose to vineyards, fruit trees, and hardwoods due to their feeding habits that can lead to the death of grapevines.
Aidan Dagg, a resident of Ontario and a nursery inspector in St. Catharines, discovered a deceased spotted lanternfly last month and shared the sighting on iNaturalist, a platform for identifying plants and animals. Despite actively searching for the insect for several years, this was the first time Dagg had encountered one.
According to Diana Mooij from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, spotted lanternflies have a broad diet, feeding on over 100 tree and plant species, making them particularly hazardous to the grape and wine industries. Following Dagg’s report, CFIA inspectors swiftly responded to the scene, uncovering around 30 more deceased spotted lanternflies in the same shipment of planting pots imported from Pennsylvania, where the insects are prevalent.
Research scientist Amanda Roe explained that spotted lanternflies often travel through shipments and can easily hitch a ride on vehicles, including those returning from the U.S. Despite being weak flyers over long distances, they excel at clinging to flat surfaces like vehicles and trains, with adult lanternflies capable of holding on at speeds of up to 95 kilometers per hour.
First identified in the U.S. in 2014, spotted lanternflies have since infested 19 states, causing substantial economic losses if left unchecked. A study from Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences in 2019 estimated significant financial impacts in Pennsylvania due to the insect’s presence, with potential losses reaching hundreds of millions of dollars annually and jeopardizing thousands of jobs.
Given the adaptability of spotted lanternflies to various temperatures, including thriving in warmer conditions and surviving harsh winters, experts are concerned about their potential spread. The CFIA advises vigilance and immediate reporting of any spotted lanternfly sightings to help prevent their establishment in Canada.
