A destructive invasive pest, spotted lanternfly, has been detected for the first time in Ontario and Canada. On September 15, 2026, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed the first detection of spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) in Canada in Windsor, Ontario.
Spotted lanternfly is known to damage and kill grapevines, causing significant impacts for the grape and wine industry. 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.
Movement restrictions have been put in place to prevent the movement of regulated materials, including potentially infested plant materials. Surveillance in the surrounding area is ongoing to determine the extent of the infestation and next steps consistent with the SLF response framework.
Spotted lanternfly is an invasive insect native to southeast Asia that was first detected in North America in Pennsylvania, U.S. in 2014 and can feed on the sap of over 100 different plant species.
“You can help identify and report new invasive species, such as spotted lanternfly,” says Colin Cassin, Executive Director of the Invasive Species Centre. “The earlier an invasive species is detected, the better the chances of reducing spread to other areas.”
What Community Members Can Do
Spot it? Snap it, catch it, report it!
Spot it: Learn how to identify spotted lanternfly at all life stages.
- Spotted lanternfly egg masses appear as grey smears of mud on host trees and any hard surface outdoors, typically visible beginning in September and throughout the winter until they hatch sometime in the spring.
- Spotted lanternfly early-stage nymphs are black with white spots; late-stage nymphs are red with black and white spots. Visible in spring and summer, they tend to congregate in swarms and ascend plants and trees to feed.
- Spotted lanternfly adults have pinkish-grey wings with black spots. They also congregate in large swarms on trees, grapevines, and other plants and may be seen from summer until they die in late fall/early winter. Adults are most active in September and October, when they are mating and laying eggs.
- Honeydew (clear, sticky liquid insect excrement) can accumulate at the base of a host tree. It can foster the growth of sooty mold and often attract bees and wasps.
Snap it: Take a photo or a video of suspected spotted lanternfly egg mass, nymph or adult.
Catch it: Put the insect or scrape the egg masses into a sealable plastic bag or container.
Report it: All Canadian must report any suspect sightings of SLF to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) immediately. A good report includes an accurate location and photos of the insect. The CFIA will follow up on reports of spotted lanternfly and take appropriate action, which may include site surveying and insect collection.
Reduce Spread
- When visiting areas with known spotted lanternfly infestations, check your vehicle and any items that sit for a period of time outdoors (such as camping equipment) for egg masses, nymphs or adults before leaving. You can even run your vehicle through a high-pressure car wash. Check out this travel checklist for more tips.
- To prevent the spread of spotted lanternfly and other invasive pests and pathogens, don’t move firewood! Buy and burn your firewood locally.
Learn More
The Invasive Species Centre can help you learn more about spotted lanternfly through the following resources available on the Spotted Lanternfly Species Profile:
- Free factsheets and posters in English, French and Spanish
- Free Spotted Lanternfly Training course under the Invasive Species Training Program
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