Spotted lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive planthopper native to Southeastern Asia and is currently a problematic invasive pest that is spreading in nearby United States. Its first known North American establishment was in Berks County, Pennsylvania, USA in September 2014. However, it is believed this species was first introduced in 2012.
SLF has yet to be detected in Canada. If SLF were to establish, it could cause immense damage to Ontario grapevines, tender fruit orchards, hops, parks, and forests.
Grapevines are a preferred host of the spotted lanternfly which it can attack en masse. Currently, intense management efforts are underway in the United States with a focus on public awareness, detection surveys, and eradication.
If this species continues to establish itself in the United States and spreads to Canada, it could be a formidable threat to various industries and the economy — of special concern for the fruit orchard and grape product industries.
Members of the public are asked to assist in monitoring for and reporting the presence of SLF. The Invasive Species Centre is hosting a free workshop in Kingsville to provide training on key information and tools to identify and report SLF and its preferred plant host, tree-of-heaven, an invasive plant that is widespread throughout southern Ontario.
Participants of the upcoming workshop will gain the following:
• an understanding of what makes a species invasive
• knowledge of the impacts of spotted lanternfly and the importance of prevention, early detection and rapid response
• knowledge of basic spotted lanternfly biology and life cycle, and pathways of spread
• tips and tools to identify and report spotted lanternfly and tree-of-heaven
• updates on current monitoring efforts in Ontario
The Spotted Lanternfly Workshop will take place on Monday, October 17, 2022 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Pelee Island Winery located at 455 Seacliff Drive in Kingsville.
Click here to register for this free event
Photo credit: Lawrence Barringer, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bugwoo