Box Tree Moth

Box Tree Moth (BTM) is a non-native pest of boxwoods. It was first confirmed in Ohio by the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) in late June. Yesterday, the ODA announced that a BTM sighting has been confirmed in Montgomery County (Dayton Area). Coupled with the earlier detection in southwest Ohio, the two BTM sites are the southernmost in North America.

Box Tree Moth (BTM) caterpillars develop through 7 instar stages. The caterpillars have undergone a rapid rate of development and are now easy to spot. The larger caterpillars mean more foliar damage.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) announced this past week that Box Tree Moth (BTM) (Cydalima perspectalis, family Crambidae) had been confirmed in Hamilton and Clermont counties in southwest Ohio. The location is near where the two counties meet Warren and Butler counties. It’s the first time this non-native boxwood (Buxus spp.) defoliator has been found in Ohio.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) has announced that the Box Tree Moth (BTM) (Cydalima perspectalis (family Crambidae) has been confirmed in southwest Ohio near the borders of Hamilton and Clermont Counties. This is the first time this non-native pest of boxwoods (Buxus spp.) has been confirmed in Ohio.

This BYGL Alert is an update on the box tree moth (BTM) (Cydalima perspectalis). On May 28, 2021, BYGL contributor Joe Boggs authored an alert about this invasive species that was on the radar, and continues to be on the radar for Ohio. The alert can be found at: https://bygl.osu.edu/index.php/node/1792

Emerald Ash Borer University (EABU) is pleased to announce the fall season of EABU! Register to hear experts discuss topics ranging from spotted lanternfly to box tree moth to the future of ash trees!  

Boxwoods (Buxus spp.) are some of the most common plants found in Ohio landscapes and they remain a mainstay of our nursery industry. Box Tree Moth (Cydalima perspectalis) caterpillars defoliate boxwoods and will strip bark once they run out of leaves to eat. The moth has multiple generations per year, depending on geographical locations, and sustained high populations are capable of killing boxwoods.