Cydalima perspectalis (Walker, 1859) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), commonly referred to as the box tree moth (BTM), is an invasive pest threatening boxwoods (Buxus spp.) in the U.S. Native to east Asia, BTM has spread throughout Europe and the Middle East over the last 18 years and was first detected in North America in 2018. A lack of predators in its invaded range and the availability of food resources has given rise to high BTM populations, resulting in high defoliation rates. The purpose of this research was to document the phenology of BTM and the presence of beneficial arthropods of boxwoods in western New York, where BTM was first detected in the U.S. Additionally, lacewing immatures were assessed as a potential commercial biological control agent for the management of BTM. Monitoring of BTM for three years revealed two in-field generations in western New York. The first peak of activity occurred during July (summer), and the second peak was recorded during September (fall). Beneficial arthropods present on or near boxwoods were not associated with the presence of BTM larvae. The commercialized biological control agent, Chrysoperla rufilabris, was tested under quarantine laboratory conditions against BTM 1st, 2nd instars, and eggs. Chrysoperla rufilabris feed upon BTM larvae and eggs and had >60% predation by the 6th hour of exposure to prey. Targeting eggs and 1st instars using C.rufilabris can provide the best window of control due to the number of prey that can be consumed by a single lacewing larva. Currently, in western New York, the established population of BTM has been documented to have two in-field generations with not a clear relationship between beneficial arthropods collected near BTM-infested boxwoods and the presence of BTM larvae. The biological agent Chrysoperla rufilabris has the capability to prey upon BTM eggs and larvae in laboratory conditions, but further research under field conditions is necessary for implementation against BTM.

A new invasive pest of ornamental landscapes is threatening boxwoods in the U.S. This invasive, commonly called the box tree moth (BTM), is native to east Asia, and has spread throughout Europe and the Middle East over the last 18 years. BTM was first identified in North America in 2018. The lack of predators in its new range and the availability of food sources has allowed populations of BTM to thrive and cause significant damage to boxwoods. Research has been conducted to find alternative methods to manage BTM, including the use of natural enemies. The phenological activity of BTM in western New York was recorded over three years, and two generations were found to occur. The months of highest activity for adult BTM was in July (summer) and then again in September (fall). Beneficial insects on or near boxwoods were found not to consistently interact with BTM larvae in boxwoods, meaning they are likely not using BTM as prey items. One option of managing this pest is through the use of commercially available natural enemies. Under laboratory conditions, green lacewing feed on eggs and early life stages of BTM. Lacewings feed on fewer prey items when the number of older prey items were given at once making them more effective on eggs and newly emerged larvae. This research on an established population of BTM in western New York has revealed that two generations occur, and beneficial insects were inconsistently found near BTM-infested boxwoods. The use of the commercially available green lacewing has shown its ability to feed on early life stages under laboratory conditions, but it requires field testing.

Master of Science in Life Sciences