The Canada Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has regulated the invasive species spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula, Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) since 2018 in an effort to prevent its introduction and spread into Canada.

It can feed on more than 100 species of trees and plants, and poses a significant threat to the grape, tree fruit, wine, and ornamental nursery industries.

The spotted lanternfly is native to Asia, but has been detected in several US states including New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.

The spotted lanternfly has not been spotted in Canada yet, but there are many human-assisted ways it could be introduced into the country, including on cargo and shipping containers, and through the import or movement of plants and plant materials (including nursery plants, logs, and firewood).

If you think you have seen the spotted lanternfly or its egg masses, the CFIA is asking you to:

  • take a photo or video
  • put the insect or scrape the egg mass into a sealable container
  • report it to the CFIA

What to look for

Adults are approximately 25 mm long and 12 mm wide. They have uniquely-coloured wings: the front wings are light brown/grey with black spots at the front and dark speckled bands near the back. The rear wings are red in colour and have black spots near the front and white and black bands at the back. The abdomen is yellow with horizontal black stripes.

Stage 1: egg mass

Spotted lanternfly egg masses are laid in late summer. These egg masses can survive winter temperatures and hatch in the spring. Egg masses, about 25 mm long, are brown and have a grey, waxy coating.

Stage 2: nymph

Nymphs are wingless. Early stage nymphs are black with white spots. Later on, they develop red patches.

Stage 3: mature adult

Adults are approximately 25 mm long and 12 mm wide. The front wings are light brown/grey with black spots at the front and dark speckled bands near the back. The rear wings are red in colour and have black spots near the front and white and black bands at the back. The abdomen is yellow with horizontal black stripes.

From left to right: egg mass, early stage nymph, late stage nymph, mature adult

You can report a spotted lanternfly sighting to the CFIA here.

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