Box Tree Moth
ExploreInsects
Box Tree Moth
Cydalima perspectalis
The Box Tree Moth is a small, colorful insect that loves to fly around gardens and parks. Its beautiful wings can be green and brown, helping it blend in with leaves.
Habitat: Urban areas
Appearance
The Box Tree Moth typically has bright white wings with thick, iridescent brown borders and a distinctive white crescent mark. Some individuals can be entirely light brown or dark brown/black, but all have the unique crescent, making them visually striking.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyCrambidaeGenusCydalima
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Adult Box Tree Moths only live for about two weeks, but they can lay hundreds of eggs in that short time!
Its caterpillars create silk webs to protect themselves while they munch on leaves, like building a tiny fort!
Sometimes, their wings are completely dark brown, making them look totally different from the usual white ones!
This moth is considered an invasive species in many parts of the world, causing big problems for boxwood plants!
Special abilities
Ability
Nighttime Nectar Seeker
Box Tree Moth can fly at night, navigating in darkness to find flowers and mates using its sensitive antennae.
Ability
Rapid Egg Layer
Box Tree Moth can lay hundreds of tiny eggs at once, ensuring many new caterpillars hatch to feed on boxwood plants.
Ability
Boxwood Muncher
Box Tree Moth caterpillars have strong mandibles that help them quickly devour boxwood leaves to grow fast.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 40-45 mm
- Size
- 25-30 mm
- Lifespan
- 8-14 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Caterpillars are herbivores that feast exclusively on boxwood leaves, while adults sip nectar.
Age differences: Caterpillars consume boxwood leaves, but adult moths primarily feed on nectar from flowers.
Primary Foods
- Buxus sempervirens
- Buxus microphylla
- Buxus sinica
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
Common Boxwood
Buxus sempervirens
Its caterpillars devour the leaves of this ornamental shrub.
eaten by
%2C_Parc_de_Woluw%C3%A9%2C_Brussels_(13042792905).jpg&width=800)
Great Tit
Parus major
Some bird species, like the Great Tit, feed on its caterpillars.
parasitizes
Box Tree Moth Parasitoid Wasp
Apanteles glyptobasalis
This tiny wasp lays its eggs inside the moth's caterpillars.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Moths are usually safe, but it's best to watch them from a distance and not touch them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Box Tree Moth's wingspan?
40-45 mm
How big is Box Tree Moth?
25-30 mm
How long does Box Tree Moth live?
8-14 days
What does Box Tree Moth eat?
Caterpillars are herbivores that feast exclusively on boxwood leaves, while adults sip nectar.
Where is Box Tree Moth usually found?
Urban areas
How does Box Tree Moth hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Box Tree Moth have?
6
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
_Philaenus_spumarius.jpg&width=800)
