‘Ravenous,’ invasive creature from Asia now found in Virginia, officials say

Small, spotted creatures — known for being “ravenous feeders” — were found in Virginia for the first time, officials said.

Box tree moths, a species native to east Asia, were found at four places in Clarke and Loudoun counties, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services said in a July 24 news release.

Previously, the species had been seen in only seven states: New York, Delaware, Massachusetts, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, officials said.

The invasive insect pests can “significantly damage and potentially kill” boxwood plants, according to officials.

The caterpillars have a black head and a green body with black spots on its back and white and black stripes on its side, according to experts.

“VDACS will provide treatment for boxwood plants, if (a) box tree moth is confirmed on boxwood plants,” the agency said in the release.

If residents see a box tree moth on a plant, they are encouraged to report it on the department’s website.

This story was originally published July 24, 2025 at 6:29 PM with the headline "‘Ravenous,’ invasive creature from Asia now found in Virginia, officials say."

Natalie Demaree

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Natalie Demaree is a service journalism reporter covering Mississippi for McClatchy Media. She holds a master’s in journalism from Columbia Journalism School and a bachelor’s in journalism and political science with a specialization in African and African American Studies from the University of Arkansas.