The invasive spotted lanternfly has been officially detected in Canada for the first time

An adult spotted lanternfly recently seen in the Windsor-Detroit area, on the Gordie Howe International Bridge shortly before American customs. (Jo Lynn Duck)Social SharingAn invasive insect known to kill grapevines and impact other crops and trees has been detected for the first time in Canada by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

And that first detection happened in Windsor.

Windsor residents have reported previous sightings of the spotted lanternfly, according to a non-profit that works to prevent the spread of invasive species.

But this is the first time it's been detected by an agency survey, the Invasive Species Centre said.

“Spotted lanternfly is known to damage and kill grapevines, causing significant impacts for the grape and wine industry,” the centre said in a Thursday news release.

“This pest could also have an impact on other crop growers and the horticulture and forestry industries, as well as residential yards and neighbourhood parks. Spotted lanternfly can have widespread economic, ecological and social impacts if allowed to spread uncontrolled.”

The spotted lanternfly is native to southeast Asia and was first detected in North America in Pennsylvania in 2014, the centre said.

It can feed on the sap of over 100 different plant species.

Egg masses of the spotted lanternfly. (Canadian Food Inspection Agency)The centre is asking people to learn to identify the insect. 

If they see a fly or its eggs, it’s asking people to photograph them, put the fly or eggs into a sealable plastic bag or container, and report it to the CFIA. 

“All [Canadians] must report any suspect sightings of SLF to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) immediately,” the release said.

“A good report includes an accurate location and photos of the insect. The CFIA will respond to reports of spotted lanternfly and take appropriate action, which may include site surveying and insect collection.”

The invasive Species Centre and the CFIA have provided a number of tips for identifying the flies.

Spotted lanternfly nymphs cluster together on a tree. The insects can be identified from their bright red underwing pattern. (Eric R. Day/Bugwood.org)The insect’s clear, sticky liquid excrement, known as honeydew, can accumulate at the base of a host tree and can foster the growth of sooty mold, the centre said.

It can often attract bees and wasps.

Heather Kitching reports local news for CBC stations across Ontario and the North. You can reach her at heather.kitching@cbc.ca.