Box tree moth - Cydalima perspectalis
Effective: May 14, 2021
Taxonomic Position: Lepidoptera : Crambidae
Pest Type: Insects
Pest Code (NAPIS): ITBMKDA
These Approved Methods are appropriate for: 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022
Pest Information
CAPS Pest Datasheet: https://download.ceris.purdue.edu/file/4088
Pest Tracker: https://pesttracker.org/pest/ITBMKDA
Hosts Identified in the CAPS Host Matrix:
Boxwood
Human and Animal Pathogens Transmitted:
Not known to transmit any human or animal pathogens.
Pest Pathogens and Organisms Vectored:
Not known to vector any pathogens or be associated with other organisms.
Survey

Approved Method(s)
Method Detail NAPIS Survey Method
Trap 18 - Plastic Bucket Trap 3001 - General Trapping Procedure
Trap Spacing:

Separate traps by at least 20 meters (65 feet).

Place traps on a 5 ft. pole (bucket traps will be roughly 4 ft. off the ground).

Whenever possible, place traps in the shade and close to Buxus plants (traps should not touch foliage).


Approved Lure(s)
NAPIS Code Product Dispenser Effectiveness Compound(s)
160 Cydalima perspectalis Lure rubber septum 28 days Z11-16Ald
Lure Attachment:

Attaching lures to traps

IMPORTANT: Do not include lures for other target species in the trap when surveying for this target.

Lure Notes:
Starting in 2023, the load rate of pheromone in lures has increased from 1 mg to 3 mg. The 3 mg lures will be clearly labeled to differentiate them from 1mg lures. Previously provided 1 mg lures may be used by adding three lures to the lure basket to equal a total of 3 mg.

Survey Recommendations
The following are recommendations for executing the survey using the approved methods for pest surveillance. The recommendations are developed through literature review and consultation with subject matter experts.
Climate Suitability Map:

A Climate suitability map is now available. This survey should only be considered in the states with appropriate climate conditions and suitable hosts for this moth.

The map was produced by the SAFARIS Team. SAFARIS is a modeling framework that enables PPQ to quickly respond to emergencies, efficiently survey for pests, and assess potential pest impacts by collecting critical geospatial data and developing predictive models. SAFARIS is developed and maintained by the NC State University, Center for Integrated Pest Management (CIPM) with support from the PPQ-S&T Plant Pest Risk Analysis (PPRA) Laboratory.

The SAFARIS team used a climate suitability model for box tree moth occurrence in the continental United States to support CAPS survey planning. The model predicts the suitability of an area for box tree moth occurrence based on the likelihood of three favorable climate conditions for the disease occurring using tools and data within SAFARIS. The detailed method used in this assessment is described here.

Target Life Stage: Adult
Time of Year to Survey:
Adult emergence time varies with location. In Germany, adult moths can be caught in traps from June until October, with the first generation starting in June and the second generation starting in August or September (Göttig and Herz, 2017). In a study in China, the first generation emerged in mid-May, the second in early July, the third in late September, and the fourth in late November (Wang, 2008). In Japan, adults of the overwintering generation begin to emerge in mid-May, the second generation starts to emerge in late July, and the third in late August. In Japan, the two summer generations required 610-620 DD to complete development and a minimum developmental threshold of 10.5 °C/50.9 °F (Maruyama and Shinkaji, 1987).
Survey Site Selection:
Conduct surveys where boxwood is grown or sold, and/or if larvae are seen feeding on foliage. This includes but is not limited to landscaped plantings, nurseries and wholesale, and retail distributors.
Key Diagnostic or Identification

Approved Method(s)
ID/Diagnostic:
The Identification Technology Program (ITP) database has screening tools for C. perspectalis.
Mistaken Identities:

Cydalima perspectalis is the only species of Cydalima that has been detected in North America.

Several Diaphania species are present in North America and have wing patterns that are similar to C. perspectalis. Please see the pest datasheet for a complete list of similar looking moths.

Guides
Sample Submission Guidance for Lepidoptera
References

If you are unable to find a reference, contact STCAPS@usda.gov. See the CAPS Pest Datasheet for all references.