Invasion by the box tree moth, Cydalima perspectalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), in southeastern Europe

Abstract

The box tree moth, Cydalima perspectalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is native to East Asia and was introduced in Europe more than a decade ago. It causes severe damage to box trees (Buxus spp.) in both urban and natural habitats. The occurrence of this invasive pest in southeastern Europe has not been documented in a comprehensive way yet. The main objective of this study was to obtain a detailed picture of the spread and distribution of C. perspectalis in 11 countries by summarising the records of the species from 2010 to the end of 2016. Data collection was primarily based on reports received from citizens. The results, due to the involvement of citizen science, clearly indicate that the pest was much more widely distributed in this part of Europe as early as 2016 than judged from previously published works. Evidence has been obtained that C. perspectalis was present in Albania, Hungary, and Kosovo, at least one year before its first official record in these countries. This study highlights the utilisation of citizen science in the monitoring of invasive alien species