# 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. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 4 - **Habitat:** Urban areas ![Box Tree Moth](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Cydalima_perspectalis_MHNT_Imago.jpg&width=800) Photo: Didier Descouens, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cydalima_perspectalis_MHNT_Imago.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Lepidoptera - **Family:** Crambidae - **Genus:** Cydalima ## 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 - **Nighttime Nectar Seeker:** Box Tree Moth can fly at night, navigating in darkness to find flowers and mates using its sensitive antennae. - **Rapid Egg Layer:** Box Tree Moth can lay hundreds of tiny eggs at once, ensuring many new caterpillars hatch to feed on boxwood plants. - **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:** [Great Tit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## 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 ### How to identify Box Tree Moth? Compare resting wing shape, forewing markings, antennae and body build. Small brown moths can hinge on fine details a phone photo can't always catch. Moth Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## Where to spot - [Arden Park–East Boston Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/arden-park-east-boston-historic-district) — Michigan, US · Historic District - [Broadway Avenue Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/broadway-avenue-historic-district) — Michigan, US · Historic District - [Capitol Park Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/capitol-park-historic-district) — Michigan, US · Historic District - [Grand Circus Park Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/grand-circus-park-historic-district) — Michigan, US · Historic District - [Lafayette Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/lafayette-park) — Michigan, US · Neighborhood - [Monroe Avenue Commercial Buildings](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/monroe-avenue-commercial-buildings) — Michigan, US · Historic Site [View all places to see Box Tree Moth](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/box-tree-moth) ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Box Tree Moth: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/box-tree-moth)