Moth?Butterfly ID, please

[Alanp]

Could anyone help to ID this moth photographed on a climbing rose in a garden in east London last week? I've checked my books and the internet but without any luck. Apologies for the quality of the photos.

[badgerbob]

A Box Tree Moth.

[Charles Nicol]

as badgerbob says, it is a Box Tree moth. if you have any Box plants in your garden it will munch them up.

[David M]

Oh dear! They're over HERE now!

[Alanp]

Many thanks for your help. I'll tell my son to watch out for his box trees!

[millerd]

This link to the RHS advice on this species is very interesting. They appear to be a serious pest.
https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=760

Dave

[Alanp]

Thanks for that link. Fortunately, I came across the same link and have reported the sighting to the RHS.

[CallumMac]

They appear to be a serious pest.

I suppose that depends on your perspective... I think if I lived in that area I would be tempted to plant a few box trees in my garden to attract them in!

[Alanp]

Don't think the RHS would see the funny side! Don't want the guys in bio-haz suits raiding the place.

[David M]

Don't think the RHS would see the funny side!

Agreed. This is not a positive development by any means.

[andy brown]

Had four of these in the trap the other night, another adventive, one of many species over the years. Like most to late to do anything about it, we will just have to manage it. Beautiful moth though with a lovely mauve sheen.
Andy

[CallumMac]

Don't think the RHS would see the funny side!

Agreed. This is not a positive development by any means.

Relax!

In all seriousness, the RHS has a fab team of entomologists, a couple of whom I know professionally. Dealing with insect pests is only part of their work, as they do a lot towards encouraging pollinator-friendly gardening too (and not just bees). My understanding is that their view is “the moth is here, there’s nothing we can do about it, and it doesn’t pose any risk to anything other than box trees, so we’re not going to waste any more time thinking about it”. That penultimate point is key as it’s the big point of difference from the response to Oak Processionary.

[Alanp]

Thanks. That clarification is a bit more reassuring.

[badgerbob]

I'm sure they are a lot less destructive than Humans!!

[David M]

I'm sure they are a lot less destructive than Humans!!

Undoubtedly!

[Essex Bertie]

A moth-er had 74 in and around their trap in West Essex/East London on Monday. Plenty of sightings in other parts of Essex this year