David Element
Wildlife Photography and Digital Video Images
__________________________________________________________________________Moths
6 – Box Tree Moths
BOX
TREE MOTH Cydalima perspectalis
BOX
TREE MOTH Cydalima perspectalis
BOX
TREE MOTH Cydalima perspectalis
BOX
TREE MOTH Cydalima perspectalis
BOX
TREE MOTH Cydalima perspectalis
BOX
TREE MOTH Cydalima perspectalis
(typical and melanic)
BOX TREE MOTH Cydalima perspectalis (melanic)
BOX TREE MOTH Cydalima
perspectalis (melanic)
BOX
TREE MOTH Cydalima perspectalis
(melanic)
·
The Box
Tree Moth Cydalima perspectalis is an unwelcome “accidentally introduced” (so
presumably imported in produce for which rigorous phytosanitary border inspections
had not been applied) recent arrival to the UK. The larvae of this invasive South
East Asian species are highly destructive defoliators of the Box Buxus spp. hedges much favoured by ornamental gardeners. Despite
its relatively large size this insect is classified as a ‘micro’ moth belonging
to the Family Crambidae. There are two forms, typical and melanic. The
surge in the population of this moth within a short period after its arrival
has certainly been a matter of concern. Fortunately, there are pheromonal traps
available that are said to target only this species without posing any threats
to the birds that would naturally predate them, for example Blue Tits Cyanistes
caeruleus. In
Continental Europe there are predatory beetles, particularly the handsome Forest Caterpillar-hunter Beetle Calosoma sycophanta, a tree-climbing ground beetle, that may help to
keep the population of this species and other defoliators including the Gipsy Moth Lymantria dispar and Oak Processionary Moth Thaumetopoea processionea, both of which are now also causing problems in the
UK as Oak Quercus
spp. defoliators
(also able to be controlled by selective pheromonal treatments although they
are difficult to eradicate and their larvae are covered with irritant hairs
that can cause skin rashes). At present C. sycophanta
is an uncommon insect with a limited range but the availability of so much
food could cause a rise in the population if warmer climatic conditions suit it
in the same manner as appears to be the case for these problematic moths.
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