Box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis), new invasive insect pest in Croatia

Box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis, Lepidoptera ; Crambidae) is an alien invasive pest recently introduced to Europe causing serious damage to ornamental box (Buxus spp.) shrubs and trees. Alien invasive species have been described as an outstanding global problem and hundreds of species are intentionally and unintentionally moved worldwide. Numbers of introductions to new habitats have been accelerated all over the world due to the increasing mobility of people and goods over the past decades. The box tree moth was recorded for the first time in North Croatia in August 2013. According to damages it can be assumed that the pest has been introduced to the region earlier (in 2011 or 2012) and that the primary infection has not been detected. In 2014 the pest spread rapidly in Continental Croatia with several new infection foci. The damage done to box tree plants is serious. The plants are completely defoliated and their amenity value is reduced. It can be expected that the pest will rapidly spread in all directions seriously damaging box plants, becoming threat to gardens and parks in Croatia. The invasion biology and ecology of this highly invasive insect pest are discussed and compared to other ongoing invasion processes in Croatia.