A spotted lanternfly has been found in St. Catharines, raising concerns that the invasive insect could spread into Canada from the United States. While there are no known breeding populations in Canada yet, experts warn the bug could seriously harm vineyards, fruit trees, and hardwood forests because it feeds on plant sap and can kill plants.
The insect was discovered by Aidan Dagg, who works at a local nursery, after he found a dead lanternfly and reported it. Inspectors later found about 30 more dead insects in a shipment of planting pots from Pennsylvania.
Scientists say spotted lanternflies are excellent “hitchhikers,” often travelling on vehicles, trains, and shipments. Even though they are weak flyers, they can spread quickly this way.
First detected in the U.S. in 2014, the insect has now spread to many states and caused major economic damage, especially to agriculture. Officials there advise people to kill any spotted lanternfly they see.
Researchers also say the insect can survive both hot summers and cold winters, making it harder to stop its spread into Canada.
