Research conducted at the Great Lakes Forestry Centre in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, has unveiled fresh concerns regarding an invasive insect inching closer to the Canadian border. Amanda Roe, a research scientist from Natural Resources Canada stationed at the forestry centre, stated that the spotted lanternfly and its eggs have displayed resilience to extremely low temperatures, surviving as low as -25 degrees Celsius. This resilience suggests that winter conditions may not be sufficient to halt the spread of this destructive pest into various parts of Canada.
Originating from Asia, the spotted lanternfly is a sap-sucking insect that uses straw-like mouthparts to penetrate trees and plants, extracting sap. First identified in the United States in 2014, it has swiftly expanded across the eastern U.S. and settled in at least 19 states, including Michigan and New York, as well as communities along Lake Erie, according to Roe.
The impact of the insect on crops is significant, affecting over 100 plant species, as highlighted by Olivier Morin, a plant health survey biologist at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Grape production is expected to bear the brunt of the damage, although other plants and productions could also be impacted. In infested regions of the U.S., the spotted lanternfly has caused notable problems for vineyards and agriculture by reducing yields, weakening crops, and leaving behind sugary waste that promotes mold growth.
Roe emphasized the insect’s attraction to plants of economic importance in Canada, such as maple trees and grapevines. The Ontario Maple Syrup Association has been monitoring the situation for three years, aiming to grasp the potential risks posed by the spotted lanternfly, especially on maple syrup production.
Regarding the insect’s adaptability, Roe pointed out that invasive species can evolve in new environments over time, with their northern boundary still uncertain. Human activities play a significant role in the spread of the insect, noted Morin, citing the spotted lanternfly’s hitchhiking capabilities. Unlike insects relying on natural dispersal, spotted lanternflies hitch rides on vehicles, cargo, and outdoor equipment, traveling long distances. Females can deposit egg masses on various surfaces, further aiding their spread.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has intercepted spotted lanternflies in cargo shipments and vehicles arriving from the U.S., indicating the potential for establishment in Canada. Morin stressed the need for vigilance and urged individuals who encounter spotted lanternflies to report and contain them promptly to mitigate their spread and impact in Canada.
