I trapped a specimen of the Box Tree Moth Cydalima perspectalis at Tramore, Co. Waterford (grid reference S577013), on 24 July 2017. The specimen was identified as a male of the brown form of the species with reference to Leraut, P., (2012. Moths of Europe 3. NAP Editions), and was new to Ireland.
A member of the Crambidae family and native to Asia it is an invasive species believed to have been introduced to Europe with imported box (Buxus spp.) of which the moth is a notorious pest with its larvae capable of defoliating the plants, Buxus sempervirens, B. microphylla and B. colchica. It is also recorded on Purple Holly (Ilex purpurea) and Japanese Spindle (Euonymus japonicus). First noted from Germany in 2007, it has since spread rapidly to many other European countries. A known strong flyer, the origin of the Tramore specimen may be immigrant in nature as its capture coincided with a spike in migrant activity. Two Diamond-back Moth Plutella xylostella, one Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta, three Rusty-dot Pearl Udea ferrugalis, three Rush Veneer Nomophila noctuella and one Silver Y Autographa gamma were also trapped, additionally, a further 23 Silver Y’s were seen nectaring at dusk.
Thanks to Ken Bond, University College, Cork and J.R. Langmaid, Southsea, Hampshire who kindly confirmed the species. The specimen will be lodged with the National Museum of Ireland, Natural History, Dublin.
Tony Bryant.
Bryant, T., 2017. Cydalima perspectalis (Walker, 1859) (Lep.: Crambidae), new to Ireland. The Entomologist’s Record and Journal of Variation 129: 230-231.