Cydalima perspectalis

(Walker, 1859)
Box Tree Moth

Sort #: 1546 | P #: 800952 | MPG #: 5199.4
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Larval substrate: Buxus spp. (Box), especially the widely planted Buxus sempervirens (Common Box). Possibly also Ilex (Holly) and Euonymus (Spindle) species.
Phenology: Adult: 6/18 to 11/01 (79 records)

Comment: Spreading around the world from its native eastern Asia (India to Korea and Japan) mainly through infested nursery-grown box plants, then local dispersal. First found in Europe in 2007 and now common and widespread. In North America, first found in Toronto in Aug. 2018 and in the winter of 2020/2021 infested plants were shipped by an Ontario nursery to 6 US states, including Massachusetts. Immediate action by the USDA seemed to stem any spread, but once in North America, it was only a matter of time before the species would find its way across the continent, which it is clearly starting to do. This is one of the largest Crambid moths and very easy to recognize. It has a light (shown) and a dark form. First found in Barnstable County in 2023, where it is now widespread. More recently, a population has become established around Boston, presumably due to infested plants being brought from the Cape or elsewhere.

Status in MA (automated assessment): Restricted distribution, very common
Status in N. America: Introduced
MA Endangered Species Act status: None
First Year Reported: 2023
Last Year Reported: 2026

Distribution by County: Middlesex, Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable
Number of Records: 92