Research conducted at the Great Lakes Forestry Centre in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, has highlighted fresh concerns regarding an invasive insect that is steadily encroaching towards the Canadian border. According to Amanda Roe, a research scientist with Natural Resources Canada stationed at the forestry centre, recent findings indicate that the eggs of the spotted lanternfly possess the ability to endure extremely cold temperatures, surviving as low as -25 degrees Celsius. This resilience suggests that winter conditions may not be sufficient to thwart the invasive pest from establishing populations in certain regions of Canada.
The spotted lanternfly, a destructive sap-sucking insect native to Asia, utilizes straw-like mouthparts to penetrate trees and plants, extracting sap. Initially detected in the United States in 2014, the insect has rapidly spread across the eastern U.S., establishing populations in at least 19 states, including Michigan and New York, as well as communities along Lake Erie.
Olivier Morin, a plant health survey biologist with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, emphasized that the spotted lanternfly poses a significant threat to various plant species, with grape productions expected to be particularly impacted. In infested regions of the U.S., vineyards and agricultural operations have already encountered substantial challenges due to the insect’s feeding habits, resulting in reduced yields and weakened crops. Moreover, the insect’s excretion of honeydew, a sugary waste, not only coats surfaces but also encourages mold growth.
Apart from grapes, the spotted lanternfly also targets maple trees, warranting attention from Canada’s maple syrup industry. The Ontario Maple Syrup Association has been vigilantly monitoring the insect for the past three years, striving to comprehend the potential risks it may pose to maple syrup production.
While current research sheds light on the insect’s cold tolerance, Roe underscored that invasive species possess the ability to adapt to new environments with time. Morin highlighted human activity as a key factor in the insect’s spread, emphasizing its capability as a proficient hitchhiker. Unlike many insects that rely on natural dispersal, spotted lanternflies frequently travel long distances by hitching rides on vehicles, cargo, shipping containers, and various outdoor equipment.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has intercepted spotted lanternflies on cargo shipments, vessels, and vehicles arriving from the U.S., indicating the looming threat. Morin advised individuals encountering spotted lanternflies to capture them if possible, take a photograph, seal them in a container, and report the finding to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Despite the inevitability of the spotted lanternfly’s arrival in Canada, efforts are underway to impede its spread and mitigate the impending impacts.