An egg mass of the spotted lanternfly may appear harmless, but the Invasive Species Centre is cautioning that it poses a significant threat to the wine and fruit-farming sectors in the Windsor-Essex region.
Described as resembling a one-inch mud smear that can be found on various outdoor surfaces, the spotted lanternfly is an invasive plant-eating insect originally from Asia that has been establishing itself in North America over the last decade. Emily Posteraro, a program coordinator at the centre, conducted educational workshops on the spotted lanternfly at Windsor’s Ojibway Nature Centre recently.
Although there have been only 10 sightings of spotted lanternfly specimens in southwestern Ontario in the past two years, including one squashed and photographed by local resident Catherine Archer in South Windsor in late September 2024, the insect has been spreading across the eastern United States since 2014.
Experts, such as those at the Invasive Species Centre, have been raising concerns that if the spotted lanternfly migrates northwards, it could severely impact Canada’s vineyards, orchards, flower nurseries, and forestry.
One of the main challenges posed by the spotted lanternfly is its “generalist” feeding behavior, as it can thrive on over 100 different types of vegetation, ranging from vine crops to hardwood trees. Additionally, the insect shows no preference for where it lays its eggs, making practically any stationary object a potential breeding ground.
As we enter the season when adult lanternflies have completed their breeding cycle and perished, the focus now shifts to the egg masses laid for hatching in the coming spring.
Given the high volume of cargo and international traffic passing through busy border regions like Windsor-Essex, vigilance is crucial. Posteraro advised individuals traveling to areas with known infestations in the U.S. to inspect their vehicles and outdoor equipment for any signs of the spotted lanternfly upon their return.
Native to China and parts of Vietnam, the spotted lanternfly is believed to have been inadvertently introduced to North America through international trade. With its superior adaptability, the insect is outcompeting native species in its new environment.
During a recent workshop, Maidstone resident Jean Dumouchelle expressed concern for the local ecology and emphasized the importance of restoring balance in the ecosystem disrupted by human activities.
To aid in the early detection and rapid response to the spotted lanternfly, Posteraro urged anyone who spots the insect to submit evidence to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Whether the specimen is alive or dead, individuals are encouraged to take photos, capture the insect, and report it to the CFIA.
Apart from the spotted lanternfly, the City of Windsor is also addressing other invasive species by applying herbicide this winter to control the spread of non-native plants such as honeysuckles, European buckthorn, autumn olive shrubs, and the tree-of-heaven. The herbicide application involves direct treatment of stumps and vines, with no park closures anticipated, but park users are advised to stick to established trails and keep pets leashed. Herbicide applications will continue until March 15.