Research conducted at the Great Lakes Forestry Centre in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, has revealed alarming findings about an invasive insect that is edging closer to the Canadian border. According to Amanda Roe, a research scientist with Natural Resources Canada stationed at the forestry centre, the spotted lanternfly, particularly its eggs, has demonstrated resilience to extremely cold temperatures, surviving as low as -25°C. This discovery suggests that winter conditions may not be sufficient to impede the spread of this harmful pest into parts of Canada where its impact could be significant.
The destructive spotted lanternfly, originally from Asia, is a sap-sucking insect that utilizes straw-like mouthparts to extract sap from trees and plants. First identified in the United States in 2014, the insect has rapidly expanded across the eastern U.S., establishing populations in 19 states, including Michigan and New York, as well as in communities along Lake Erie, as outlined by Roe.
Notably, the insect poses a threat to over 100 plant species, with a particular focus on grape production, according to Olivier Morin, a plant health survey biologist at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. In infested areas in the U.S., spotted lanternflies have caused significant issues for vineyards and agricultural operations by reducing yields, weakening crops, and promoting mold growth through the secretion of honeydew.
A major concern for Canada’s agricultural sector is the impact of the spotted lanternfly on maple trees, which are vital to the country’s maple syrup industry. The Ontario Maple Syrup Association has been monitoring the insect for the past three years to assess the potential risks it poses, particularly regarding maple syrup production.
Despite current insights into the insect’s cold tolerance, Roe emphasized that invasive species can adapt to new environments over time, with their northern boundaries not yet fully understood. Morin highlighted human activity as a key factor in the insect’s spread, noting that spotted lanternflies are adept hitchhikers, often traveling long distances by attaching themselves to vehicles, cargo, and outdoor equipment. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has intercepted spotted lanternflies on various incoming shipments and vehicles from the U.S., indicating a looming threat of establishment in Canada.
To combat the potential spread of the spotted lanternfly, Morin urged individuals to report any sightings to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, emphasizing the importance of early detection and intervention to mitigate the insect’s impact on Canadian agriculture.