Box Tree Moth

Taxonomy

Cydalima perspectalis (Walker)

Lepidoptera: Crambidae

Abbreviation: N/A

Distribution

Box Tree Moth is is native to Asia and was first detected in Europe in 2006. In 2019 it was found in Toron-to, Canada feeding and reproducing on Buxus spp.

Affected Commodities

Box Tree Moth is a pest of the following plants: Buxus spp. (boxwood), Ilex purpurea (purple –leaved holly) and Euonymus spp. (burning bush).

Port Inspections

CBP Agriculture Specialists, please refer to manuals for general inspection guidelines.

Agricultural Specialists should thoroughly inspect shipments of nursery material and greenery originating in Canada that contain Buxus spp., Ilex spp., or Euonymus spp. Inspections should include checking non-host species included in the same shipment for adults that may have flown off of the host during transportation. Special attention should be given to plants that have leaves are stripped on 1 side or are almost completely eaten. These plants or cuttings may have larvae or pupae hiding away from the damaged areas.