Fauna
Insect

Box Tree Moth

Cydalima perspectalis

Also known as Box Moth, Boxwood Borer

Box tree moths are striking pyraloid moths renowned for their silky white wings bordered by broad, iridescent brown margins, though an entirely brown melanic morph also exists. The vibrant green, black-striped caterpillars feed voraciously on boxwood foliage, spinning dense silk webbing that protects them while they strip entire shrubs down to bare twigs and bark. Originally native to East Asia, their rapid spread across Europe and North America has transformed them into a notorious landscape pest capable of killing historic topiary and wild boxwood stands.

NocturnalInvasiveHerbivorous
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyCommon Box Leaves, Littleleaf Box Leaves, Flower Nectar
Predators
  • Asian Hornet
  • Great Tit
  • Parasitic Wasps
ThreatsParasitic wasps, predatory insects, bacterial sprays, and severe frosts
HabitatsOrnamental gardens, parks, urban landscapes, and boxwood forests
Life span30–60 days (egg to adult; adults live 8–14 days)
  1. OrderLepidoptera
  2. FamilyCrambidae
  3. GenusCydalima
  4. SpeciesCydalima perspectalis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Monitoring Webbing: Inspect the interior canopy of boxwood shrubs for fine silk sheets and green droppings.
  • Night Attraction: Watch for adult moths fluttering near porch lamps or outdoor light fixtures during midsummer.
  • Manual Removal: Pick off caterpillars by hand and submerge them in soapy water to protect ornamental hedges.
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Moonlight Marvels

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