First report of Cydalima perspectalis in Georgia
In Georgia, Cydalima perspectalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae – formerly EPPO Alert List) was first found during a survey conducted in June and October 2014 in natural populations of boxwood (Buxus colchica) in the Mtirala National Park and the Kintrish Protected Area (both in the Autonomous Republic of Adjara). In summer and autumn 2015, further studies were conducted in natural forests of boxwood in 6 (out of 9) regions of Georgia. Substantial damage (defoliation) was observed in 4 regions (Autonomous Republic of Adjara, Guria, Imereti, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti). Observations suggest that the pest is spreading into native boxwood forests from the Black Sea coastal region towards the central part of Georgia. Considering its establishment in the Western part of Georgia and its rapid spread towards the East, C. perspectalis represents a serious threat to boxwood species, and in particular to the native B. colchica forests, in the Caucasus region.
Sources
Matsiakh I, Kramarets V, Mamadashvili G (2018) Box tree moth Cydalima perspectalis as a threat to the native populations of Buxus colchica in Republic of Georgia. Journal of the Entomological Research Society 20(2), 29-42 (via PestLens).