Richmond, Va. – The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) has announced the discovery of a new invasive insect pest in Virginia. Inspectors found the box tree moth, Cydalima perspectalis, at four locations in Clarke and Loudoun Counties.
The box tree moth poses a threat to boxwood plants as it can cause significant damage or even kill them if not managed properly. The caterpillars are known for their intense feeding habits, leading to complete defoliation of host plants when infestations are severe. VDACS is prepared to treat affected boxwood plants upon confirmation of the pest.
Originating from East Asia, the box tree moth has become problematic in Europe where boxwood is native. It was first detected by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) in New York in 2021. As of July 2025, it has also been confirmed in several other states including Delaware, Massachusetts, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Until now, Virginia had not reported any occurrences.
VDACS emphasizes that early detection and rapid response are essential for managing newly introduced invasive pests. They have conducted surveys around the detected areas to assess infestation levels and plan further surveys. Property owners are encouraged to report suspected damage using VDACS’ Invasive Species Reporting Tool.
Additional resources on identifying damage or life stages of the pest can be accessed at www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/dam/pubs_ext_vt_edu/ENTO/ENTO-445/ENTO-445.pdf.
For more details about the box tree moth, visit USDA APHIS’s website at www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-pests-diseases/box-tree-moth or contact VDACS’ Office of Plant Industry Services at 804.786.3515.
