The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) announces the detection of box tree moth, Cydalima perspectalis, in the city of Winchester, Virginia. In July and August, VDACS inspectors discovered and treated box tree moth at multiple sites in Clarke, Frederick, and Loudoun counties. VDACS will continue to survey in order to determine the extent of the box tree moth populations in these areas.

Box tree moth is native to East Asia and has become a pest in Europe where boxwood is native. The invasive insect pest can significantly damage and potentially kill boxwood (Buxus species) plants if left untreated. The caterpillars are ravenous feeders, and heavy infestations can completely defoliate host plants. VDACS will provide treatment for boxwood plants, if box tree moth is confirmed.

Early detection and rapid response are vital for the management of any newly introduced plant pest. VDACS encourages property owners and the public to report any suspected damage to boxwood plants on their property using VDACS’ Invasive Species Reporting Tool.

For resources on how to identify box tree moth damage or life stages, please visit www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/dam/pubs_ext_vt_edu/ENTO/ENTO-445/ENTO-445.pdf. 

For more information on box tree moth, please visit www.vdacs.virginia.gov/plant-industry-services.shtml or www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-pests-diseases/box-tree-moth or contact the VDACS Office of Plant Industry Services at 804.786.3515.

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) announces the detection of the Box Tree Moth (BTM), Cydalima perspectalis, in Frederick County, Va. In July, VDACS inspectors discovered and treated the invasive species in Clarke and Loudoun Counties. VDACS will continue to survey to determine the extent of the box tree moth population in these areas.

BTM is an invasive insect pest that can significantly damage and potentially kill boxwood (Buxus species) plants if left unchecked. The BTM is native to East Asia and has become a pest in Europe where boxwood is native. The caterpillars are ravenous feeders, and heavy infestations can completely defoliate host plants. VDACS will provide treatment for boxwood plants, if BTM is confirmed on boxwood plants.

Early detection and rapid response are vital for the management of any newly introduced invasive pest. VDACS has surveyed the area surrounding the detections to determine the extent of infestation and has planned for more surveys to occur in the future. VDACS encourages property owners to report any suspected damage to boxwood plants on their property by using VDACS’ Invasive Species Reporting Tool.

Click here for resources on how to identify BTM damage or life stages.

For more information on BTM, please visit the USDA APHIS website, the VDACS website, or contact the VDACS Office of Plant Industry Services at 804-786-3515.

The Box Tree Moth, Cydalima perspectalis, has been detected in Hedgesville, West Virginia. This is about 25 miles north of Frederick County, Virginia. 

Specimens of adult, pupae and larvae suspected as Box Tree Moth, Cydalima perspectalis (Walker) (Crambidae), made on May 29, 2025, were confirmed on June 4, 2025, by the USDA ARS Systematic Entomology Laboratory.  Cydalima perspectalis is a Quarantine pest.

Boxwood is an important plant in the nursery trade and the Box Tree Moth has become a serious pest of Boxwood in Europe and parts of the United States. 

If you see any suspect caterpillars or moth from boxwood, take a photo first and then collect the actual specimen to confirm. 

Resources:

https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/ENTO/ento-588/ento-588.html

https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/ENTO/ento-525/ento-525.html