BOX MOTH

I've noticed several of these striking black and white moths flitting round the garden when their roosting spot was disturbed.  They're not in my comprehensive moth book because they are a fairly recent arrival to Europe.  Native to South-east Asia, they were first recorded in the UK in Kent in 2007 and have spread throughout southern England.  

This is not such good news because this is the Box Moth, whose green and black caterpillars can defoliate box bushes, hedges and topiary. 

Photo: Vlad Proklov

If you notice silk webbing over your box plants, it might be a good idea to investigate.  The larvae also use silk to knit a couple of box leaves together for a winter retreat.