Box-tree Moth (Cydalima perspectalis) | Species | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Taken at Aston, Oxon., on July 25th 2024. (© David Hastings) (1/200th sec at f/13)  Melanic form. Taken in the Vercors NP, France on July 19th 2018. (© David Hastings) (1/80th sec at f/14) DescriptionFamily: Crambidae (ABH : 63.054) Wing span: 40 - 45mm This moth has a white fore-wing with a broad greyish-brown band along the costa and termen, indented white along the costa at about one-half. A melanic form frequently occurs, which is dark brownish with a purple sheen and a whiteish dot at about one-half. A native of SE Asia, this moth was first recorded in Kent in 2007, and has spread to most of England and Wales since. It was first recorded in Scotland in 2018. Habitats are urban and suburban areas, including cemeteries, gardens and parks. The flight period is from May to October, in two generations. Larvae feed on Box (wild and cultivated). They can be a serious pest of ornamental topiary. It comes to light, and is occasionally seen by day. Earliest UK sighting: 20th June ; Latest UK sighting: 29th October Sightings
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