A recent discovery of spotted lanternflies in St. Catharines, Ontario, has reignited concerns about the invasive insect making its way into Canada from the United States. While there are no confirmed reproducing populations of spotted lanternflies in Canada, experts warn that the insect’s presence poses a significant threat to vineyards, fruit trees, and hardwoods due to its feeding habits that can lead to the death of grapevines.
Aidan Dagg, a resident of Ontario and an inspector at a nursery in St. Catharines, recently found a dead spotted lanternfly and documented it on iNaturalist, a platform for sharing and identifying plants and animals. This discovery marked the first time Dagg had come across the insect despite actively monitoring for it over the past few years.
According to Diana Mooij from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), the spotted lanternfly is known to feed on over 100 species of trees and plants, posing a significant threat to the grape and wine industries. Upon reporting the finding to the CFIA, inspectors promptly responded and recovered 12 dead adult spotted lanternflies from the same imported shipment of planting pots from Pennsylvania.
Research scientist Amanda Roe highlighted the insect’s tendency to travel in shipments and hitchhike on vehicles, particularly across the Great Lakes region. Roe emphasized that while spotted lanternflies may not be strong flyers, they are adept hitchhikers, capable of latching onto various surfaces and vehicles, even at high speeds.
Initially detected in the U.S. in 2014, the spotted lanternfly has since spread to 19 states, causing substantial economic losses if left unchecked. A study by Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences estimated significant economic impacts in Pennsylvania due to the insect’s presence, with potential losses amounting to millions of dollars annually.
Melody Keena, a retired research entomologist from the U.S. Forest Service, noted that warmer temperatures facilitate the growth of spotted lanternfly populations, allowing them to thrive and reproduce more effectively. Despite the challenges posed by winter conditions, the insect has shown resilience and adaptability to survive in varied climates.
The CFIA advises vigilance in monitoring and reporting any sightings of spotted lanternflies to prevent their spread. Awareness and prompt action are crucial in mitigating the potential risks posed by this invasive species.