The Invasive Species Centre trained 30 people in Prince Edward Country, Ontario
on how to identify and report invasive spotted lanternfly, a new threat to vineyards, across Ontario and
Canada.
Participants of the workshop also learned how to detect and report spotted lanternfly’s preferred plant
host, tree-of-heaven, as well as the ecological, economic, and social impacts of this invasive insect.
Spotted lanternfly has not been detected in Canada to date, but infestations have occurred close to the
Canada-U.S. border in both New York and Michigan. Due to the expanding range of spotted lanternfly in
border states, experts are preparing for its arrival into Canada, which would impact vineyards, orchards,
hops fields, plant nurseries, and ecosystems more broadly.
People can help to prevent the spread of spotted lanternfly by learning what it looks like at all life stages
(egg, early-stage nymph, late-stage nymph, and adult), knowing how to report it, and checking their
vehicles and outdoor equipment for the insect when leaving an area.
“Participants were very eager to learn more about spotted lanternfly. Many people are concerned about
its potential arrival and want to learn how to prevent its spread and report it,” says Invasive Species
Centre Program Development Coordinator Emily Posteraro. “They want to protect Ontario’s natural and
agricultural assets and learning about this pest is the best way to do it. Education goes a long way, by
making the early detection of a new invasive species more likely and enabling a rapid response as early
as possible.”
The content delivered in the workshop is also covered in a free, self-paced online course, Spotted
Lanternfly Training, which is available under the Invasive Species Centre’s Training Program.
If you think you see spotted lanternfly, take a photo of the insect and report it to the . Tree-of-heaven
sightings can be reported to the (EDDMapS). Further free information on spotted lanternfly and tree-ofheaven can be found online:
About the Invasive Species Centre
The Invasive Species Centre is a not-for-profit organization that prevents the spread of invasive species
in Canada and beyond by connecting with stakeholders to catalyze invasive species management and
communicate policy and science knowledge. Visit our website at www.invasivespeciescentre.ca to learn
about invasive species, get technical information, take action, and sign up for news and events.
Media Contact:
Emily Posteraro
Program Development Coordinator
Invasive Species Centre
(705) 541-5752
eposteraro@invasivespeciescentre.ca
