Following Information contains extracts from Ontario Parks and blogTO.
A new invasive species threat is closing in on Ontario, and we’re calling on you to help keep it at bay.
The spotted lanternfly may look like a cool, rare bug from Animal Crossing, but you should probably splat it on sight, according to federal guidelines.
Over 70 species of plants and trees are at risk of being targeted by this invasive red-eyed insect. It has not been detected in Canada yet, but it does call a few US states home.
As per Ontario Parks, Canada is severely at risk, sharing a border with the US.
If this Chinese native species comes to Canada, our fruit orchards, maple syrup industry, and vineyards could be uprooted. All of these combined have an annual worth of over $530 billion. Additionally the Spotted Lanternfly threatens many of our native tree species, including maples, poplars, pines, and cherries. Grape vines are also susceptible to this pest.
In addition to killing this invader on site Ontario Parks are asking for the help of community scientists from around the province to report sightings of the Spotted Lanternfly’s partner-in-crime: Tree of Heaven.
What’s Tree of Heaven?
Tree of Heaven is an invasive tree native to China. It was first introduced to North America in 1784 in the Philadelphia area. Since the introduction of the species, Tree of Heaven has spread widely, and has become a common invasive tree in urban, forested, and agricultural areas. It can be found across Canada, and is widespread throughout Ontario. Tree of Heaven is invasive itself, but it’s also the primary host species for Spotted Lanternfly.
From The News