The tree moth goes through different stages of development over the course of a year. We can see eggs, larvae or butterflies. The butterfly necessarily exists as a male and a female in order for successful mating to be possible. Can we also distinguish the two visually?
Do males and females of the boxwood moth differ?
In the specialist literature available in this country, there is no explicit distinction between females and males. It can therefore be assumed that there areno clearly visible differences between them. A distinction is also not necessary to detect and combat an infestation.
What does the boxwood moth look like?
The neozoon box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis), which comes from Asia, is a small butterfly with the following characteristics:
- about 2.5 cm long
- approx. 4 to 4.5 cm wingspan
- spread wings run diagonally backwards
- Back and front wings end semicircular
- hairy wing base
- Wing coloration may vary
- most common: white wings, thickly bordered with brown
- less common: white-beige, completely brown, almost black and dark purple shades
- Forewings have a white, crescent-like spot
- Abdomen and wings are color matched
- black compound eyes
- long thin antennae
- Proboscis (usually curled up under the head)
When does the butterfly appear?
In Central Europe, including Germany, the first butterflies can be expectedfrom April. In very warm years, possibly as early as March. The first butterflies emerge from the overwintering boxwood moth caterpillars. Moths can be seen until the end of September, as the box tree borer produces several generations every year. The butterflies live for about eight days and are mainly active at night. Then each female specimen lays up to 150 eggs on the outer leaves of the boxwood.
How can I spot the butterfly as early as possible?
The inconspicuous butterfly spends the bright days hidden on the undersides of the leaves of various garden plants that are not far from the boxwood. Don't worry, it doesn't affect other plants. However, this makes it not easy to discover it even with a targeted search, unless the infestation is very advanced and there are a corresponding number of butterflies in the garden. To combat it, however, it makes sense to discover the first moths. To do this, set upyellow boardsearly on or aspecial European borer trap, which uses pheromones to attract male butterflies.
How do I fight the boxwood moth?
The butterfly isnot controlled directly, but there are various ways toprevent egg laying.
- Algae limestone
- Primitive rock flour
- Spraying with neem oil
- Cover with close-meshed mesh
If you cut back the branches vigorously in early spring after a year of heavy infestation, you will remove a large proportion of the overwintering caterpillars from which butterflies can hatch.
Tip
Look out for white-brown butterflies on butterfly lilac
The boxwood moths live on flower nectar. The butterfly seems to be one of their favorite plants, which is why they often visit it during the day. If you notice a white-brown butterfly on its flowers, there is danger - at least for a neighboring box. Act immediately to prevent serious infestations.
