First Canadian specimen of hugely destructive invasive insect confirmed in Ontario
Canada has its first confirmed detection of the dangerous spotted lanternfly (SLF) in Ontario this week, but anyone who's been paying attention can tell you the invasive insect has been present in the province for a few years now.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed its first detection of the SLF in Windsor, Ont. on Sept. 15, following years of reports in the region shared on identification platforms like iNaturalist.
The spread of the dreaded species through the U.S. Northeast has concerned officials in Canada for years, and sightings in areas close to the border have been on the rise in the past few years. In just the month of Sept., 2024, three of these insects were reportedly spotted in Ontario.
Native to China, the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is a planthopper species easily identified by its black-on-white spotted wings and red body. Sure, it's not going to bite or sting you, but the SLF can do a number on the agricultural economy.
The species' introduction to Canada has the potential to deal a heavy blow to the economy by defoliating major cash crops nationwide. According to the CFIA, "It can feed on more than 100 species of trees and plants, however, significant impacts from this feeding have only been observed on grapes." This bodes especially badly for the Niagara Region, known for its wine production.
The CFIA states that, following the confirmed SLF specimen, "Movement restrictions have been put in place to prevent the movement of regulated materials, including potentially infested plant materials."
According to the agency, "Surveillance in the surrounding area is on-going to determine the extent of the infestation and next steps."
🚨 Confirmed by the CFIA | The invasive spotted lanternfly has been detected in Windsor, Ontario.
— Canadian Food Inspection Agency (@InspectionCan) September 17, 2026
🔗 For the latest information and updates: https://t.co/kQJGF76gqY pic.twitter.com/gc6mVXqSxK
The CFIA warns anyone who comes in contact with a spotted lanternfly or its egg masses to take a photo or video, catch the insect or scrape the egg masses and put it into a sealable container, and report it to authorities immediately.
