Box tree Moth

Habitat: A common species that can be found throughout the country.

Appearance: The box tree moth is an invasive species that originates from East Asia, specifically from countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea. In 2006, the insect reached Europe via wooden packaging material from natural stone imports. From Germany and Switzerland, the moth spread rapidly, establishing itself throughout Europe by 2018. Although the moth attacks various plant species in Asia, in Europe it has developed a strong preference for the native boxwood (Buxus sempervirens), a plant that does not occur in its original habitat.

Flying season: Two generations per year and moths are attracted to light.

Characteristics: wingspan 40 mm

Life cycle: The main host plant is boxwood in Europe, but when the box tree moth population is very high, the caterpillars may switch to other plants, although boxwood remains their clear preference. The females lay eggs on the underside of the leaves, which hatch after about a week. The caterpillars overwinter in a cocoon in the shrub. The caterpillar pupates, hidden in white webs. Box tree moths do not eat leaves themselves, but feed on nectar from flowers.