Illicium verum is a non-timber forest product, which is widely cultivated in Vietnam. A leaf-feeder, Pogonopygia nigralbata Warren is a moth (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Ennominae), has caused significant damage to plantations of this plant species in Bac Kan province. Field surveys in 2023 found P. nigralbata damage to I. verum in the districts of Cho Moi and Bach Thong, with a damage incidence (P%) ranging from 33.7% to 69.5% and an average damage index (DI) from 0.75 to 1.72. The life cycle spans 69 - 96 days, with overwintering occurring in the larval stage. Females lay 60 - 97 eggs during an oviposition period of 9 - 13 days. The larval and pupal stages last 32 - 46 days and 23 - 30 days, respectively. Adults survive for 12 - 23 days, with a longevity of 4 - 6 days. This pest should be researched in detail and included in future forest health monitoring programs in Bac Kan to determine its suitable mangement approaches.