Cydalima perspectalis (Walker, 1859)
box-tree moth
on Buxus
Buxus sempervirens, Hungary, Budapest, Hűvösvölgy, 5.v.2015 © László Érsek: feeding patterm
considerable feeding damage
larva, dorsal
larva, lateral
detail of head and thorax
Buxus sempervirens, Hungary, Mosonmagyaróvár, 20.vii.2013 © László Érsek, pupa in situ
fresh pupa
older pupa
Buxus sempervirens, Hungary, Mosonmagyaróvár, 23.x.2013 © László Érsek, imago
parasite
Larvae in a flimsy webbing under the leaves; there also the pupation,
host plants
Buxaceae, monophagous
Buxus sempervirens.
phenology
Two or three generations; hibernation as larva.
distribution within Europe
synonyms
Diaphania, Palpita, perspectalis.
notes
Eaas-asiatic species, that made its appearance in Europe in 2007, in Germany and the Netherlands, and that now is spreading rapidly. An infestation usually leads to complete defoliation, and because the hungry larvae then start feeding on the bark this often means the death of the shrub. The species forms a serious threat not only to ornamental Buxus, but even more the the few natural stands of Buxus sempervirens, probably also of B. balearica.
references
Agius (2018a), Bella (2013a), Corley, Rosete, Gonçalves ao (2018a), Adolph, Kortstock, Niehoff & Schweitzer (2019a), Fiumi (2018a), Hizal, Kose, Yesil & Kaynar (2012a), Hrnčić, Radonjić & Perović (2017a), Huisman, Koster, Muus & van Nieukerken (2013a), Kaupys (2020a), Kenis, Nacambo, Leuthardt ao (2013a), Lepiforum (2019), Muus, van Haaften & van Deventer (2009a), Pastorális, Elsner, Kopeček ao (2013a), Pezzi & Bendazzi (2013a), Plant, Poole, Salisbury & Bird (2019a), De Prins & Steeman (2011a), Raineri, Bonechi, Caracciolo ao (2017a), Sinchuk, Sinchuk & Kolbas (2020a), Stark (2012a), Szabóky (2012a), Žikić, Ritt, Colacci, ao (2019a).