The science of preserving nature since 1964

A new pest may be in our landscapes soon...

Adult Box Tree Moths generally have white bodies with a brown head and abdomen. Their wings are white and slightly iridescent, with an irregular thick brown border spanning 1.6 to 1.8 inches. Some adults have completely brown wings with a small white streak on each fore wing. Males and females show both colorations. The eggs are pale yellow and average 0.04 inches in size. They are laid in flat clusters of about 5 to 20 on the underside of boxwood leaves.

As they mature, a black spot appears marking the larval head. Newly hatched larvae have black heads and are green to yellow in color. As they age, dark brown stripes develop on the body. The most mature larvae are about 1.6 inches long and have thin, white and thick black stripes and black dots outlined in white along the length of the body. Pupae develop inside a silk cocoon and are 0.6 to 0.8 inches long. They are initially green, with black stripes on the back, and turn brown as they mature.

Signs of damage (see comparision below) may not appear at the beginning of an infestation because young larvae hide among twigs and leaves. Larvae skeletonize the leaves and feed on the bark, causing defoliation and dryness, leading to the plant’s death. Signs of feeding include green-black frass (excrement) and webbing. The female moths lay their eggs on the underside of the leaves of boxwoods.

If you have Boxwood on your property, please schedule a visit from your Almstead arborist for signs of BTM eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults. Removals or treatments may be needed to protect your Boxwood shrubs.