Cydalima perspectalis
This record describes Cydalima perspectalis (species). Recorded family: Crambidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A distinctive species which should be recognised without difficulty, although there is also a very dark brown form. As an introduced species it may occur at any time. The moth is a pest species of box (Buxus), and is almost certainly an introduction with imported Buxus plants. The first record for Britain seems to be from Kent in 2007 and in the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as adventive. The species is increasing in frequency and is now quite common in many parts of the country.
Wikipedia reference for Cydalima perspectalis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cydalima perspectalis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Pyraloidea
- Family
- Crambidae (Crambid Snout Moths)
- Subfamily
- Spilomelinae
- Tribe
- Margaroniini
- Genus
- Cydalima
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Associated with Box (Buxus).
Seasonal Activity
As an introduced species it may occur at any time.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The moth is a pest species of box (Buxus), and is almost certainly an introduction with imported Buxus plants.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The first record for Britain seems to be from Kent in 2007 and in the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as adventive. The species is increasing in frequency and is now quite common in many parts of the country.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Cydalima perspectalis. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Cydalima perspectalis (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cydalima perspectalis
What is Cydalima perspectalis?
Cydalima perspectalis is a species in the family Crambidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Cydalima perspectalis found?
Habitat: Associated with Box (Buxus).
When is Cydalima perspectalis active?
Cydalima perspectalis: seasonal activity - As an introduced species it may occur at any time..
What is the life cycle of a Cydalima perspectalis?
The moth is a pest species of box (Buxus), and is almost certainly an introduction with imported Buxus plants.