[for comments to stakeholders up to 2023-04-06] 

The box tree moth, Cydalima perspectalis (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is a major pest of boxwood (Buxaceae: Buxus spp.). Native to China, Japan, and Korea (Bras et al., 2019; CABI, 2021), it has been introduced into other areas of Asia, and into Europe and North America (Bras et al., 2019; CABI, 2021; Coyle et al., 2022). In the scientific literature, the box tree moth is largely reported as feeding on species of Buxus (...). In Europe and North America, researchers have stated that box tree moth has only been found on Buxus spp. (...). However, a few articles, mainly from the moth’s native range, report the box tree moth associating with other plant species.

The purpose of this report is to critically examine associations of the box tree moth with non-Buxus plants reported in the literature and in previous PPQ reports. This document will be used to inform policymakers interested in regulating the importation of nursery plants from infested areas. We are applying the International Plant Protection Convention’s (IPPC) definition of host, “Species capable, under natural conditions, of sustaining a specific pest or other organism” (IPPC, 2021) and are presenting plant species by their host status.