Simon caught this Box Tree Moth (Cydalima perspectalis) last night in Darley Dale, I have not heard of any previous records locally but it has been spreading north rapidly after the first UK record in 2007.
The moth is a native of SE Asia, but is now widely established in Europe where the caterpillar is considered a pest on the box Tree.
The Royal Horticultural Society has been monitoring its spread in the UK.
Between 2015 and 2016 over 800 records of the moth were received, this jumped to over 3000 in 2017, over 6 000 in 2018 and approaching 12000 in 2019. The box tree moth is now considered to be a "common resident" being widely distributed across England, particularly the south-east. It is also present in Wales, Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland.
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| Box Tree Moth © Simon Roddis |
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| Box Tree Moth - distribution © NBN |
I have had several in NG16, first being on 20/07/22
ReplyDeleteThanks, spreading rapidly
ReplyDelete