Box Tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis)
The Box Tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis) has a wingspan of c 40mm and is a member of the large Pyralidae moth family.
The species is better known for the defoliation its caterpillars cause to Box hedging and trees (Buxus). Brown expanses of once green box hedging have become an increasing sight in many gardens in the south east of England.
Although in continental Europe the moth has long been considered a major pest it is only in recent years the species has begun to colonise the south east of England.
UPDATE – recent recordings show the spread of this species has become even more rapid with records now reaching the western counties of the Uk . Andrew Jones recorded the adult shown left in his garden in Portishead on the outskirts of Bristol in 2018.
By 2023 this species had reached parts of South West Cornwall.
Migration and the importing of eggs on plants and climate change are thought to be the reasons for its arrival and expansion.
Featured is a worn specimen of the less common darker form of the Box-tree Moth recorded and photographed by Andrew Jones in Portishead, south west England.
Box Tree caterpillar
The species can have several broods in warmer parts of its range.
Large batches of eggs are laid on the larval foodplant which then overwinter.
The fully grown Box Tree caterpillar is approximately 30 mm in length.
The caterpillars hatch in the Spring and may soon become an infestation, completely defoliating large expanses of box hedging.
When fully grown or running out of food the caterpillars often wander in search of somewhere to pupate or a new food source
Plants may never recover if subjected to intense infestation and defoliation.
Other caterpillars can be seen in the –
Moth caterpillar gallery and species pages
Butterfly caterpillar gallery and species pages
Box-tree Moths in Spain and France
