Box tree moth – Cydalima perspectalis (Walker)

Native to Asia, Cydalima perspectalis (Walker), box tree moth, is an invasive pest currently causing severe damage to boxwood, Buxus spp., in Europe. The CFIA has confirmed its presence in Toronto, Ontario in November 2018. This was the first detection of this pest in North America.

Box tree moth, C. perspectalis was added to CFIA's Regulated Pest List on November 23, 2022.

A BTM Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) has been established to discuss next steps and raise awareness of the BTM to industry and the public. Members currently include CFIA, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), Landscape Ontario (LO), Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA), and Sheridan Nurseries.

Detections in Ontario have been a result of collaborative efforts between the BTM TAC, industry and community reporting. Additional BTM finds are expected as the survey season is underway and focuses on areas not known to be infested. No detections of BTM have been found outside Ontario. BTM has only been found in boxwoods (Buxus spp.).

Surveillance, monitoring and research continues in an effort to reduce the risk of spread in Ontario and introduction into other parts Canada.

What information is available

• Pest fact sheet
• North American Plant Protection Organization (NAPPO) pest alert
• Map - Infested areas in Ontario
• RMD-22-02: Pest risk management decision for the regulation of Cydalima perspectalis in Canada

This image on the map shows BTM survey results confirming the presence of BTM in Toronto, Vaughan, Mississauga, Cookstown, Georgetown, Cambridge, Milton, Burlington, Hamilton, Vineland, North Pelham and the Niagara region.