The boxwood moth is an invasive species of butterfly, with a wingspan of up to 4 cm, making it the largest European representative of the fan-shaped moth.Thanks to the very characteristic color of the wings, the boxwood moths are easy to recognize.
The more common white form has iridescent wings with a broad brown streak running along the outer edge of the front wing and even wider edging of the same color running along the outer edges of both pairs of wings.Brown background specimens represent a significant proportion of the population wings, a distinct purple sheen and a contrasting white crescent-shaped spot.
Importantly, box trees are the only host plants for the larvae of this butterfly, also a place for laying eggs and meeting places for both sexes. In Central Europe, the species spends two or three generations a year, depending on weather and climatic conditions.Larvae develop on the leaves and shoots of the host plant, spinning the silk threads intensely.Younger nibbles at the edges of the leaves , older ones eat almost all the leaves. With intensive feeding, the shoots are often defoliated (leaves are completely lost), and the plants even wither away.
Occurrence of the box tree moth in Poland
In 2012, the boxwood moth was observed for the first time in Poland, in the Dolnośląskie Voivodeship, and three years later, its presence was also recorded in the Opolskie and Małopolskie Voivodeships.Butterflies and pupae were observed in home gardens with planted boxwood bushes.
New species of insects are constantly introduced to foreign continents, including butterflies, whose eggs, larvae or pupae are easily transported over long distances with the host plant.Deprived of natural parasites and predators, these species can cause great damage in new areas.
The boxwood moth was brought to Europe with the import of plants.Its natural range is 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 in most countries of 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.In recent weeks, the boxwood moth has also appeared in Warsaw in Bemowo.Unfortunately, the scale of this phenomenon is so huge that we can speak of a real plague!
What can be done to fight a dangerous pest?
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 shrubs should be carefully inspected and the leaves with nicks and yarns should be checked.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 in their development, should be caught and destroyed. We can collect them by hand, shake off the bush or rinse with high-pressure water - advises PSOR expert, Dr. Joanna Gałązka.Tracking caterpillars is often a sufficient method of protection, especially in home gardens where only a few shrubs grow.In the absence of effects, chemical agents based on acetamiprid, deltamethrin and lambda-cyhalothrin can be used to protect ornamental plants - adds Dr. Gałązka.
However, remember to carefully read the label before using any plant protection products, where you will find the most important information about the use of a given preparation.
