Box tree moth

The box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis) is a pest native to Asia, which was introduced to Europe in the 2000s. The caterpillars of the box tree moth feed on the leaves and stems of box trees, which can cause significant damage to box hedges in parks and gardens.

Box tree moth moths have a wingspan of about 4-5cm, with white wings edged in dark brown and a characteristic "Y" shaped marking on the forewings. The females lay their eggs on boxwood leaves, and hatching larvae immediately begin feeding on the leaves and stems.

Box tree moth caterpillars have pale green bodies with white and black stripes on their backs and are about 4 cm long when mature. They feed on the leaves and stems of boxwood, which can cause significant defoliation and weaken boxwood. The caterpillars feed mainly at night and hide in the leaves during the day.

The box tree moth has several generations per year, and the caterpillars can feed from spring to fall. Mature caterpillars weave cocoons in which they turn into pupae before becoming adult butterflies.

Box tree moth control can be difficult as the caterpillars can be difficult to detect and infestations can spread quickly. Signs of an infestation may include damaged leaves, caterpillar droppings (small black balls), and caterpillar cocoons. Control methods include pruning and destroying infested parts of boxwood, using pheromone traps to capture adult moths, and using biological products such as nematodes, bacteria (BTK) or viruses that infect box tree moth caterpillars.