Spotted lanternfly (SLF) is a sap-feeding insect (planthopper) native to Southeast Asia. In its adult form, it has light grey wings with black spots that become denser and more speckled towards their tips; it also has hind wings that exhibit a striking red colour. It is about 3cm (~1.2 inches) long and 1.2cm (1/2 inch) wide.
There has been a reported sighting of SLF in Windsor, Ontario, though no known populations have become established in Canada. SLF infestations have been found close to the Canadian border in Buffalo, New York and Detroit, Michigan.
The adult SLF primarily feed and lay eggs on the non-native Tree of Heaven, but the nymphs may attack a variety of trees. This insect is seen as a significant threat to the tree fruit, grape, wine, and ornamental nursery industries.
Signs and symptoms of their presence may include
- Muddy-grey egg masses on or around host trees
- Dark streaks or sap flowing down the bark of the tree
- Honeydew (insect secretions) at the base of a host tree that can become covered in a sooty-coloured (black) mold
- Increased bee and wasp activity, as they are attracted to exposed sap and honeydew
- Spotted lanternfly swarms on or at the base of host trees and vines
What you can do
- If you think you have seen SLF or its egg masses, take a photo, collect a sample, and report it to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
- Pay extra attention if you are travelling back from infested areas of the United States, so that you do not accidentally transport these pests into Canada—they can remain attached to vehicles, camping gear, or cargo.
- If you find egg masses, scrape them into a sealable container so that they may be analyzed by the CFIA.
Monitoring in the city
- The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) has installed several SLF surveillance plots across the city.
- The surveillance includes the use of tree bands to intercept SLF nymphs as they move up and down host plants. The bands are placed approximately. 1.5 m up from the ground on mature host trees, such as tree of heaven, black walnut, and maple.
