The box tree moth is an invasive butterfly species with a wingspan of up to 4 centimeters, which makes it the largest species among the European Crambidae.Thanks to the very characteristic color of the wings, boxwood moths are easy to recognize.
The more common white form has iridescent wings with a broad brown streak running along the front edge of the front wing and even wider borders of the same color running along the outer edges of both wing pairs.A significant percentage of the population are individuals with a brown wing background, a distinct purple sheen, and a contrasting white, crescent-shaped spot.
Endangered box trees
Importantly, box trees are the only host plants for this butterfly's larvae, as well as a place for laying eggs and meeting places for both sexes.In Central Europe, the species spins two or three generations a year, depending on weather and climatic conditions.Larvae develop on the leaves and shoots of the host plant, spinning intensely silk threads. Younger ones gnaw the edges of the leaves, while the older ones eat almost all the leaves. With intensive feeding, the shoots are often defoliated, and the plants even wither away.
 |
|
(Image: www.lepiforum.de) |
In 2012, the box moth was observed for the first time in Poland, in the Dolnośląskie Voivodship, and in 2015 its presence was also recorded in the Opolskie and Małopolskie Voivodeships. Butterflies and pupae were observed in home gardens, among loose single-family buildings, with more or less intensively planted boxwood bushes.
- New species of insects are constantly introduced to foreign continents, including butterflies whose eggs, larvae or pupae are easily transferred over long distances with the host plant. Devoid of natural parasites and predators, in new areas these species often become problematic and can cause great damage. The box tree moth was brought to Europe as a result of imported plants. Its natural range is the subtropical areas of East Asia, from India, through China, Korea, to Japan and the Russian Far East. For the first time in Europe, the species was found
in southwestern Germany, in 2007. In the last decade, he quickly colonized other areas and is now known from most countries in Western and Southern Europe, and now in Central Europe - said Dr.Marek W. Kozłowski, prof. Sun from the Department of Applied Entomology, Warsaw University of Life Sciences.
Since last year, there has been a significant increase in the number of this pest in some cities, especially in Krakow, where in city parks and gardens the moth has eaten boxwood leaves.In recent weeks, the boxwood moth also appeared in Warsaw in Bemowo. The scale of the phenomenon is so large that we can talk about a real plague!
How to fight the boxwood moth?
- We can fight the boxwood moth in several ways. However, the most important thing is to observe the plants frequently so that we can react in time. Every few days, you need to carefully examine the shrubs and check if there are any nibbled leaves and yarn on them. You have to watch the bushes carefully because young caterpillars often start feeding in the inner spaces of the crown. Caterpillars, as early as possible, should be caught and destroyed.We can collect them by hand, shake them off the bush or wash them with high pressure water - advises PSOR expert, Dr. Joanna Gałązka.
Catching caterpillars is often a sufficient method of protection, especially in home gardens where only a few shrubs grow. If there are no effects, you can use chemical agents based on acetamiprid, deltamethrin and lambda-cyhalothrin intended for the protection of ornamental plants - adds Dr. Gałązka.
Before using any plant protection products, carefully read the label, where you will find the most important information about the use of a given product.
Polish Plant Protection Association
The Polish Plant Protection Association (PSOR) represents the plant protection products industry.PSOR implements projects aimed at comprehensive information and education on the safe and responsible use of plant protection products.PSOR is the owner and coordinator of the PSOR Packaging Collection System.On behalf of companies introducing plant protection products to the market, it conducts a nationwide educational campaign under the slogan "Every package counts." The association also promotes the safe use of plant protection products under the slogan "Not only crops need protection". In 2015, the PSOR launched a nationwide educational campaign called "In Necessary Protection". Its purpose is to inform about modern methods of plant production and modern agriculture in which plant protection products are used.
