I have trapped 2 Box Tree Moth Cydalima perspectalis at Bawdsey Hall this month. The first was on the 9th September with a second on 14th. I believe these to be immigrants from France where the species can be very common. These records also fit with coastal records during this same period from Portland and the Kent coast.
These are the first records of adult moths I have heard of in Suffolk. I would be interested to hear of any records I have missed or of any records of defoliated Box plants.
The photo shows the Box Tree Moth together with the Olive-tree Pearl Palpita vitrealis caught during the same period.
A good month so far for moth immigration with several Gem, Vestal and Bordered Straw; Convolvulus Hawk-moth enumerates nine individuals so far this month and regular Scarce Bordered Straw. A Porter’s Rustic on 12th September (the best night of the month so far here) was the first here since 2008.
Hi Matthew,
I’ve been nothing in France a few times but not seen perspectalis (does it move north through the season from the Med?). Anyway, a real stunner and something to look out for.
Good to read your piece – I’ve missed your regular blogs this year.
Tony.
Hmm…
Let this be a lesson to anyone in a hurry, not to log out too quickly after making a comment. I meant to say I’d been mothing in France several times, but the spell-check decided it would be funnier to say I’d been nothing in France. Of course, this may be a true indication of my worth – but I prefer to think it had me confused with one of the England footballers at the Euros.
Quite a size difference with vitrealis, thanks for posting that photo.
Looks like it could become a significant pest species in years to come. An attractive one from we lepidopterists point of view though.