engleski

Biology and food choice of invasive box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis) in Croatia

Box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis) is alien invasive species that has rapidly spread across Croatia making substantial damage to box tree plants. We are presenting results of biology and food choice tests of box tree moth in Croatia. Sex pheromones baited traps were used for detailed insight into number of generations and food choice tests were performed in laboratory comparing Buxus sempervirens, Euonymus japonica and Ilex aquifolium as host plants. Results showed that the moth is able to complete two generations per year, overwintering as young larva on plants. The food test showed that the moth is able to complete its development only on B. sempervirens. Severe outbreaks of box tree moth are continuing across Croatia and first insight into parasitoids complex has revealed that native parasitoids have not yet shifted to this novel invasive host. Our research has also confirmed that live plants trade is one of the main pathways of introduction of exotic plant pests which are becoming serious threath to indigenous plants and ecosystems.

alien invasive species ; biology ; damage ; food choice test ; pheromone traps

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