The Box Tree Moth: An Invasive Species Severely Threatening Buxus Natural Formation in NW Italy

Chiara Ferracini,Cristina Pogolotti,Michela Miglio,Francesca Barbero,Simona Bonelli,Paolo Mancardi

doi:10.3390/f13020178

Chiara Ferracini, Cristina Pogolotti + Show 4 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/f13020178

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Abstract

(1) The box tree moth (BTM), Cydalima perspectalis Walker, represents one of the recent examples of exotic insect pests native to Asia accidentally introduced in Europe by the nursery trade. In Europe, BTM develops on Buxus sempervirens L., causing significant damage to ornamental and natural plants. (2) Basic aspects of BTM biology were investigated at three sites in the NW Alps, where B. sempervirens occurs on rocky slopes, forming a protected habitat. In 2019–2021, we evaluated: (i) the seasonal flight activity with sex pheromone traps, (ii) the fecundity and the effects of food on the egg load, (iii) the potential adaptation of BTM on native secondary host plants, and (iv) the recruitment of natural enemies. (3) Our results revealed the presence of two generations per year. The number of mature eggs increased in fed adults and was higher in females of the first generation. No evidence of BTM shift on secondary plants was found in either laboratory or natural conditions, and no significant occurrence of natural enemies was recorded, except for one pupa of the tachinid Pseudoperichaeta nigrolineata. (4) Our findings provide valuable information to address and timely plan management strategies to preserve B. sempervirens as an essential component of rare forest ecosystems.

Highlights

The box tree moth (BTM), Cydalima perspectalis Walker (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is a pest species common in China, Korea, and Japan
Abstract: (1) The box tree moth (BTM), Cydalima perspectalis Walker, represents one of the recent examples of exotic insect pests native to Asia accidentally introduced in Europe by the nursery trade
BTM was reported to perform three generations per year in centraleastern Europe and some locations in northern Italy [20,21,22], the life cycle monitored in the 3-year period confirms a phenology pattern similar to that in other Asian and European countries [9,23,24,25,26]

Summary

Introduction

The box tree moth (BTM), Cydalima perspectalis Walker (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is a pest species common in China, Korea, and Japan. After being reported in Germany and The Netherlands in 2006, BTM invaded most of Europe (Switzerland, France, England, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia) and Turkey, reaching almost all central and southern European countries [2,3]. This species was found for the first time in Italy in 2010, quickly invading most of the Italian regions [2,4,5,6], including Piedmont (NW Italy) in 2013 [7]. In northern and central European countries, BTM is bivoltine, with two generations per year occurring in June and late August [9]; in southern Europe and the Caucasus, three generations can occur [3]

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