Status
Adventive / Import.
Spreading rapidly, 4 first recorded in 2013 - 1,175 recorded in 2022!
The fairly large white and brown-bordered adult moths are unmistakable. Please note a purple-brown melanic form is also common. Larvae cause severe damage to Box.
The moth is considered a pest species of Box (Buxus) in many European countries. Records in the UK are thought to be by accidental importation in Box plants from Asia.
The first UK record of this Asian species was from Kent in 2007. Since then there have been a number of records from several counties and is spreading rapidly across the UK.
First Record from Norfolk in 2013 when two specimens were taken at light in a garden trap adjacent a garden centre in Costessey, Norwich (M. Casey. 03/10/13)
Recorded again at same site in 2014 and 2016 and has spread rapidly.
First for West Norfolk (VC28) in 2016 at Dersingham (R. Jones, 24/07/16)
NB: Listed by FERA (Food and Environment Research Agency) as Non-notifiable pests – Caterpillars. Click here for more infoRecorded in 59 (80%) of 74 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 2013.
Last Recorded in 2024. |