Invasive spotted lanternfly found in Ontario

A recent discovery of a spotted lanternfly in St. Catharines, Ontario, is raising concern about the invasive insect spreading into Canada from the United States. Experts say there are still no established breeding populations in Canada, but the insect could threaten vineyards, fruit trees and hardwood trees because it feeds on plant sap. The insect was found by Aidan Dagg, a nursery inspector in St. Catharines, who reported the dead specimen after uploading it to iNaturalist. Canadian Food Inspection Agency inspectors then found about 30 more dead lanternflies in the same imported shipment of planting pots from Pennsylvania. Researchers say spotted lanternflies can travel easily in shipments and can also cling to vehicles, trains and other flat surfaces. The species is already established in multiple U.S. states, and officials in agricultural areas there advise people to crush or destroy any they find. Scientists say the insect can survive both hot summers and cold winters, which makes its spread into Canada more difficult to stop.