Box Tree Moth

Description

The Box Tree Moth, native to East Asia, has become a significant pest in Europe and has recently been detected in North America. Primarily affecting boxwood plants (Buxus spp.), it poses no direct threat to human or animal health but has severe implications for the nursery trade and urban landscapes due to the damage it causes to these ornamental plants.

  • Scientific Name: Cydalima perspectalis

  • Common Name(s): Box Tree Moth

  • French Name: Pyrale du Buis

  • Regulatory Status: This pest is regulated in Canada, particularly in areas where it has been established or identified.

Box tree moth

© Lara Gibson, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Introduction and Spread

Box Tree Moth spreads primarily through the movement of infested boxwood plants. It can spread easily across regions, being able to fly distances of 5-10 km per year. Originally detected in Germany and the Netherlands around 2006, it is believed to have been introduced with shipments of Buxus plants from Asia.

Distribution

In Canada, the Box Tree Moth is established in Ontario, in the regions between Toronto and Windsor, and Toronto and Niagara. Recent detections have also been confirmed in Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. It is considered a regulated pest within these provinces.

Habitat

The moth is exclusively found on boxwood shrubs, utilized extensively in landscapes for hedging and ornamental purposes. These plants provide the necessary environment for the moth’s lifecycle and spread and are themselves not native to Canada.

Identifying Features / Life Stages of the Box Tree Moth:

  • Eggs: Laid on the undersides of boxwood leaves, appearing yellowish at first and then darkening.

  • Larvae: Initially greenish-yellow with a black head, becoming more colorful with black and white stripes as they mature.

  • Pupae: Cocooned in white webbing among the leaves and twigs, rarely visible.

  • Adults: Medium-sized moths, typically with white wings and dark brown borders; a less common variant has darker, brown wings.

Impacts

The moth causes significant defoliation of boxwood plants, leading to aesthetic damage and potential plant death. This not only impacts biodiversity but also the horticulture industry due to the control and replacement costs.

  • Competition: They compete with native fish for food.Predation: As predators, they consume young fish and other aquatic organisms , including snails, small insects, and fish eggs.

  • Habitat Disruption: Their feeding behavior can increase water turbidity, affecting aquatic plant growth.

  • Disease Transmission: They are capable of carrying diseases like koi herpesvirus which poses risks to native fish populations.

What You Can Do:

  • Inspect your boxwoods for signs of box tree moth
  • If you think you have spotted a box tree moth outside of New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Quebec or Ontario, report it immediately.

PlantWise: Choose native plants for your yard and gardens. You can use our Grow Me Instead guides to find native alternatives.

1. Seehausen, M Lukas et al. “Modelling potential distribution of the invasive box tree moth across Asia, Europe, and North America.” PloS one vol. 19,4 e0302259. 26 Apr. 2024, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0302259

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