An egg mass of the spotted lanternfly may appear harmless, but the Invasive Species Centre is cautioning about its significant threat to the wine and fruit-growing industries in the Windsor-Essex region.
Described by Emily Posteraro, a program coordinator at the center, as resembling an inch-long mud smear found on various outdoor surfaces, the spotted lanternfly is an Asian-origin plant-eating insect that has been establishing itself in North America for the past decade. Posteraro recently conducted educational workshops on the insect at Windsor’s Ojibway Nature Centre.
While there have been only 10 reported sightings of the spotted lanternfly in southwestern Ontario over the last two years, including one observed by local resident Catherine Archer in South Windsor in late September 2024, the insect has been rapidly spreading across the eastern United States since 2014.
Experts, such as those at the Invasive Species Centre, have been emphasizing the potential devastating impact the spotted lanternfly could have on Canada’s vineyards, orchards, flower nurseries, and forestry if it migrates northward.
The spotted lanternfly’s “generalist” feeding habits, thriving on over 100 plant species ranging from vine crops to hardwood trees, and its indiscriminate egg-laying behavior on any stationary object make it a particularly challenging pest. While adult lanternflies have completed their breeding cycle and died off this time of year, the egg masses they have laid will hatch next spring.
Given the high volume of cargo and international traffic in border regions like Windsor-Essex, Posteraro stresses the importance of vigilance. She advises thorough checks of vehicles returning from areas with known infestations in the U.S. for any signs of the insect on outdoor equipment such as firewood and concrete slabs.
Originating from China and parts of Vietnam, the spotted lanternfly is believed to have been unintentionally introduced to North America through international trade. Its adaptability has enabled it to outcompete other insect species on this continent.
At a recent workshop, Maidstone resident Jean Dumouchelle expressed concern for the local ecology, highlighting the human role in causing such issues and advocating for efforts to restore balance in the environment.
Posteraro encourages individuals who spot the spotted lanternfly to report it to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for early detection and rapid response measures. Whether alive or dead, capturing the specimen and providing photographic evidence is crucial for tracking and monitoring the insect’s spread.
Apart from the spotted lanternfly, the City of Windsor is also addressing other invasive species with herbicide applications to control the spread of non-native plants like honeysuckles, European buckthorn, autumn olive shrubs, and the tree-of-heaven. The program, involving direct application to stumps and vines, will continue until March 15 without closing parks or paths, but park users are advised to stick to recognized trails and keep pets leashed.