Box Tree Moth

Cydalima perspectalis

Introduced species, now widespread & common in Britain, mainly nocturnal.

The Moth Larvae are a pest species of box, and is almost certainly an introduction with imported Buxus plants.

Two variants are observed; the commonest is mostly white with a light brown border, while the other is almost entirely light brown with slight purplish tone, and a white spot near the centre of the forewing.

The frequency of the brown variant in its native region is not reported; it forms up to 10% of the population in Europe.

In Britain, there are two generations per year with Adults on the wing from June to early August, and again from September to November.