©Govt of Canada

Research out of the Great Lakes Forestry Centre in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., is raising new concerns about an invasive insect that has been steadily moving closer to the Canadian border. “Unfortunately, what we have found is that the spotted lanternfly, particularly their eggs, are actually able to withstand really cold temperatures,” said Amanda Roe, a research scientist with Natural Resources Canada based at the forestry centre. Recent studies have found that spotted lanternfly eggs can survive temperatures up to -25 C, suggesting winter may not be enough to prevent the destructive pest from establishing populations in parts of Canada, she said. “Winter itself isn’t going to be a barrier, particularly in the areas of Canada where their impact might be greatest,” Roe said. …The insect feeds on more than 100 plant species …including maple trees, something that has caught the attention of Canada’s maple syrup industry.