A recent finding of the spotted lanternfly in St. Catharines, Ont., has reignited concerns about the invasive insect entering Canada from the U.S. While established populations of the spotted lanternfly in Canada are currently nonexistent, experts warn of the potential threat it poses to vineyards, fruit trees, and hardwoods due to its plant sap-feeding behavior that can be detrimental to grapevines.
Aidan Dagg, a resident of Ontario and a nursery inspector in St. Catharines, discovered a deceased spotted lanternfly last month and documented it on iNaturalist, a platform for sharing and identifying flora and fauna. This marked Dagg’s first encounter with the insect after years of vigilance.
Upon notification from Dagg, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) swiftly responded by inspecting the imported shipment of planting pots from Pennsylvania, where they retrieved 12 deceased adult spotted lanternflies. Diana Mooij from CFIA highlighted the insect’s ability to feed on a wide range of trees and plants, emphasizing the significant threat it poses to the grape and wine sectors.
Research scientist Amanda Roe explained that spotted lanternflies often hitchhike in shipments and on vehicles returning from the U.S. Despite their limited flying capabilities over the Great Lakes, they excel at clinging onto flat surfaces like vehicles, with adult lanternflies reported to adhere to car hoods even at speeds of up to 95 kilometers per hour.
Originating in the U.S. in 2014, the spotted lanternfly has spread to 19 states, causing substantial economic harm if left unchecked. A study by Penn State estimated potential annual losses of up to $554 million US and thousands of job losses in Pennsylvania if the infestation expanded.
Melody Keena, a retired entomologist, observed that warmer temperatures favor spotted lanternfly populations, enabling faster development and resource accumulation for egg-laying. Roe also noted the insect’s resilience to winter conditions, with experiments showing successful egg survival even in extreme cold.
As the spotted lanternfly poses a threat, the CFIA advises vigilance and immediate reporting of any sightings to prevent its potential spread in Canada.