Invasive species are here! They damage the environment, displace and negatively impact native species, and reduce diversity in natural and urban areas.
Managing invasive species is costly and time intensive. Early detection and management action are important to keep new invasive species from establishing.
The Newest and Cutest Team Member
CVC monitors the spread of high-risk invasive species, but not every species is easy to detect. Sometimes it takes someone with their nose to the ground, trees and water.
Last month, CVC announced the launch of a new initiative to identify priority invasive species in the watershed: a Conservation Detective Dog program. A Labrador retriever named Tilly, photographed above, has joined the CVC team to support the early detection of invasive species. Tilly will be working throughout the watershed to detect some of the worst invasive species on our doorstep before they can establish: hemlock woolly adelgid and spotted lanternfly. This summer she will also be helping us determine the range of red swamp crayfish, an invasive species that was first discovered in our watershed last year. For our urban residents, spotted lanternflies are one which could be found in yards.
What You Need to Know About Spotted Lanternflies
Here’s what to look for, why you should be concerned, and what to do if you find spotted lanternflies.
Are spotted lanternflies established in Ontario?
There have been many sightings and interceptions along the Canadian border coming up from United States, but no established populations have been confirmed to date.
What do spotted lanternflies look like?
Spotted lanternflies are a showy planthopper insect. Here’s what to look for at each life stage:
- Eggs are laid in grey, mud-like masses on any hard surface, including tree trunks and buildings.
- Young nymphs are small, wingless and black with white spots, while older nymphs are bright red with black and white spots.
- Adults, like the one photographed here, have distinctive pinkish-grey, black-spotted wings and bright red underwings.
When are spotted lanternflies active?
Nymphs hatch from eggs in early spring and remain active from May to June. Adults are active from late summer into fall.
What are spotted lanternflies’ favourite host plants?
Spotted lanternflies are generalists and will feed on sap from over 100 plants, but some favourites include the invasive tree-of-heaven and grapes (wild and cultivated). They may also be found on many of our native trees like walnuts, cherries, sumacs and maples.
Why are spotted lanternflies considered invasive?
Spotted lanternflies have the potential to damage fruit crops, trees and other plants and ruin the enjoyment of recreational spaces. Adults and nymphs suck the sap from their host plants, creating wounds. As they feed, they produce honeydew, a sweet and sticky substance that can lead to a sooty mould which can damage or kill surrounding plants.
What should I do if I find spotted lanternflies?
If you find a spotted lanternfly, report it to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). If possible, capture the insect or eggs and store the sample in the freezer. If a sample cannot be taken, take several photos from multiple angles to support accurate identification.
You can also report sightings to EDDMapS.
Plant of the Month
Tree of Heaven
Ailanthus altissima
Native to China, tree-of-heaven is an invasive species first introduced to Pennsylvania, USA, in 1784. It has since spread widely across the United States and Canada.
What does tree-of-heaven look like?
Tree-of-heaven is nicknamed stinking sumac because of its resemblance to the native staghorn sumac, and because any part of it will produce a foul smell when crushed.
Here are some features to help identify tree-of-heaven:
- Compound leaves, with smooth green oblong leaflets with one or two lobes at the base that are arranged alternately along the leaf stalk or petiole
- Large clusters of tiny, pale yellow to green flowers in spring and orange and green seed pods in summer
- A large tree growing up to 30 metres (m) tall, with pink, red or brown stems
What makes tree-of-heaven an invasive species?
Tree-of-heaven produces lots of seeds and can also reproduce through cut stems, roots and stumps. It grows quickly and can prevent the growth of other plants by releasing toxic chemicals into the soil. Its tolerance to pollution, poor soil conditions and the ability to grow in cracks in a driveway or foundation allows it to thrive and become widespread in urban areas. This invasive species is difficult to manage and is a favourite of the invasive spotted lanternfly.
What should I do if I find tree-of-heaven at home or elsewhere in the Watershed?
It is best to remove a tree-of-heaven when it is still a small sapling. It can grow up to 3 m in one season, so leaving it for even one year can make removal more difficult. Large trees should be removed by a certified arborist.
You can report tree-of-heaven found in a public space or at home, to CVC or EDDMapS.