I Spy and Identify Invasives / Je vois, J’identifie les espèces envahissantes's Boletim

In June, the I Spy and Identify Invasives project made 25,683 observations of 4,124 species! 352 different people observed and reported native and invasive species across Canada and our network grew by 79 new individuals (and counting) – thank you for joining everyone!

June’s reports included 4,143 observations of 629 different introduced and invasive species. The month’s totals included these concerning sightings:

5 observations of Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/124109891 in Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia. This invasive pest can feed on over 300 species of plants and is a serious threat to ecosystems and agriculture industries. These beetles emerge from hibernation when temperatures reach 21°C, so let’s continue to keep an eye out for them as summer progresses. Thank you for reporting your findings @freduchini, @mikechen, @renee_mq, and @sumacd.

55 observations of Spongy moth (Lymantria dispar dispar) https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/123139925 across Ontario and Quebec. Spongy moths can eat the leaves off an entire tree by feeding in large numbers, causing significant economic damage to the forestry and tree nursery industries. Thank you to the 13 observers who reported this invasive species, especially @elmslie who reported 36 different occurrences!

3 observations of Field scabious (Knautia arvensis) https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/122087759 in British Columbia by @kathryn437, @lindylin1212, and @marcuslarch. This species is an escaped ornamental that can crowd out forage and pasture plants, reducing food for grazing animals.

A number of species at risk were also reported throughout June:

A Skillet clubtail (Gomphurus ventricosus) https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/122393572 in New Brunswick by @jdee. The only place in Canada where you can currently find this at-risk species is in the Saint John River watershed in New Brunswick.

A Northern spiny softshell turtle (Apalone spinifera) https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/121514676 in Ontario by @glennberry. This turtle is endangered due to habitat loss. The water systems that this species depends on are increasingly compromised by human activities like construction, damming, and recreation - all of which seriously impact important nesting areas.

A Whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/122610216 in Alberta by @donovanroberts. Whitebark pine populations are declining due to White pine blister rust, Mountain pine beetle outbreaks, increasing wildfires, and climate change.

Thank you for your iNaturalist observations and reports. As we move into the height of summer, let’s all keep an eye out and report invasive species such as Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha), Quagga mussels (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis), and European green crab (Carcinus maenas) when we’re out near the water! These species are highly invasive and once established they have devastating impacts on Canada’s aquatic and marine ecosystems. Remember to Clean, Drain, and Dry your gear to prevent the spread of aquatic invasives!