Boxwood firefly - How to deal with a dangerous pest

Boxwood butterfly or boxwood firefly (Cydalima perspectalis) is a Far Eastern species of butterfly from the firefly family. This insect was discovered in Western Europe around 2006 and is believed to have arrived with a shipment of Boxwood from the Far East. Currently, it is found in approximately 30 European countries.

This butterfly arrived in our country at the end of the decade (the first facts about the appearance of the pest are described since 2015). The homeland of the boxwood fire is China. It is already known about the appearance of the pest in other continents.

What does boxwood fire eat?

The first and main source of nutrition for the Boxwood fire is the leaves and bark of the boxwood. Damage to the shrub occurs due to the fact that the larvae feed mainly on the leaves, and often on the bark of the plant. Infected plants are deformed due to the loss of leaves, which are eaten by the larvae.

Younger caterpillars feed only on the lower surface of leaves. Adults already feed on the upper part of the leaf surface and skeletonize the leaves, leaving intact only the middle veins, and sometimes the outer edge. Infected plants also have webs that the larvae weave. The leaves begin to turn yellow and dry.

Does boxwood recover after a firefly?

Boxwood can survive the attack of the pest until the caterpillars begin to eat the bark on the main stems. As soon as the larvae reach the stems, Boxwood loses its ability to obtain the necessary nutrients and water, becoming more susceptible to fungal and bacterial infections. A started plant will most likely die.

The life cycle of the Boxwood firefly

The boxwood butterfly lays about 100 eggs on the underside of the leaves of the shrub. The eggs, which the butterfly lays in groups, have a greenish-yellow color. At least the formation of the main capsule of the larva appears dark specks. The caterpillars hatch in about three days, turning a greenish-yellow color with a shiny black head.

As they mature, they become greener and form a striking pattern of thick black and thin white stripes along the entire length of the body. Mature larvae (about 1.5 cm long) pupate in a cocoon woven between the leaves and branches of the bush. They are always hidden and rarely come to our attention. Adults are butterfly-like butterflies of medium size with a wingspan of about 4 cm with white wings and a thick dark brown border.

A less common variant has brown wings with a small white stripe on the forewing. Adult butterflies live for about 14 days, trying to lay eggs again on boxwood leaves. The entire life cycle of a boxwood fire takes about a month. In fact, during the vegetation period, this pest can reproduce 3 (and under favorable conditions - 4) generations.

Boxwood firewood can survive in areas where the minimum winter temperature is about -30°С. It hibernates in the larval stage in a silky cocoon between the leaves of the host.

The distribution of Boxwood firefly is quite fast - in two years this pest can increase its range to 400 km.

What products are effective in the fight against pests?

When a pest is detected, it is necessary to take active measures immediately. Remember, Boxwood fireflies will destroy most of the leaves of the shrub in a short time (within a few days). In our regions, this pest has no natural enemies. Even birds and other insects do not eat caterpillars because they contain toxins in their bodies.

The most effective means of combating Boxwood firefly are insecticides. Many of them are quite good at destroying this new pest for our regions.

Let's list the most effective chemical preparations:

• Engio;
• Aktelik;
• Decis pro;
• Prokleim, etc.

Biological insecticides:

• Imeksab™ 10 g/10 l
• Bacitoxin 10g/10l

High efficiency is noted from the combination of drugs Imexab™ + Bacitoxin at 10 g/10 l of water.

Effectiveness of bioinsecticides on the next day after treatment

The clear advantage of biological insecticides over chemical insecticides is that they do not accumulate in plants and soil and allow processing in places where there are people (lawns, gardens, parks, alleys, etc.)

Peculiarities of processing Boxwood with means from Boxwood firefly

This decorative shrub is a plant with a very thick crown and dense leaves. This feature prevents insecticide solutions from getting inside the crown of the plant, especially on the back of the leaf. When spraying the bushes, it is necessary to literally "open" the crown of Buxus in order to more effectively treat the branches and leaves of the plant. Try to spray not only the upper side of the leaves, but also the lower side, because that is where the ovipositors and young caterpillars are.

Therefore, when processing boxwood, it is recommended to add Izomax™ adjuvant 2ml/10l to the tank solution.

Izomax™ work on boxwood

Some advice from experienced gardeners on the fight against boxwood firefly

As noted in the description of the pest, its life cycle will last one month. Based on this, you will have to process your boxwood every month. Even after destroying the eggs and caterpillars of this insect, there is still a lot of yum

the fact that in a month the Boxwood butterfly will again fly to your plot from the neighbors and lay eggs.

If Boxwood firefly has been found in your area, but you have not found this pest in your garden, you should not lose vigilance. Check your ornamental shrubs daily for eggs and caterpillars. And it should be done during the entire warm season - from April to October.

Many people ask - is it possible to restore bushes damaged by Boxwood fire? If the leaves of your plants are not completely eaten by caterpillars, Boxwood will continue to grow, but it will not regrow the lost leaves. This will greatly distort the decorativeness of the shrub and may simply have to be removed.

Another important and rather controversial point. If the boxwood butterfly is common in your region, it is only a matter of time before it appears in your area. Of course, you will be forced to constantly inspect your plants for the presence of a pest and, if it is detected, treat Boxwood with chemicals. If fruit crops grow on your plot, you should think about it - do you need "chemization" of your garden? Most gardeners already treat their plants with various preparations. And then there was a need to spray decorative shrubs. It is up to you to decide whether you need Boxwood in the garden or replace it with other evergreen decorative plants that are not prone to particularly voracious pests.