In the calcareous slopes of southeast France, a once-dominant shrub known as boxwood has nearly vanished in just a few years. The decline of this long-lived plant is attributed to the boxwood moth (Cydalima perspectalis), a nocturnal insect originally from East Asia. The moth was accidentally introduced to Europe in the 2000s, likely through ornamental plants imported from Asia. It reached France in 2008, shortly after its first appearance in Germany. The caterpillars of this moth defoliate boxwood completely, repeating this process multiple times a year, which gradually weakens the shrubs over time. The loss of vegetation cover has led to severe soil erosion on these slopes, permanently altering the local plant life. The boxwood moth has a highly active life cycle. Female moths can lay up to 1,200 eggs, and three generations of the insect can develop within a single year. The caterpillars overwinter in their larval stage and become active again in early spring, even after cold spells. Genetic studies on populations in China, South Korea, and across Europe suggest that the moth was introduced multiple times, not through a single event. This pattern aligns with the widespread trade of ornamental plants across the continent. The moth initially affected boxwood in parks and gardens before spreading to natural environments. In the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, it was first detected in 2011 in urban areas, and by 2015, it had caused damage in natural settings in the Isère department. Today, the boxwood moth is present in 70 of France’s 101 departments, dramatically altering the appearance of entire slopes. Boxwood typically thrives in calcareous regions, often forming dense thickets on steep slopes or ledges, sometimes growing in centuries-old stands. In the Corbières region, a nearly two-hundred-year-old boxwood growing on a cliff edge was nearly killed within two years of repeated attacks by the moth. The caterpillars not only consume leaves but also damage bark and buds, weakening the shrub. Although the boxwood often survives an initial attack, its regrowth through suckers and shoots is limited, allowing the moths to continue feeding. This cycle of defoliation and regrowth gradually depletes the shrub’s energy reserves. Without the protective cover of boxwood, steep slopes become vulnerable to severe soil erosion, especially during heavy rains. Chemical treatments for large areas of boxwood in natural environments are not considered viable due to their broad impact on pollinators and other wildlife. In gardens, a naturally occurring soil bacterium is the preferred method of control, as it targets caterpillars specifically. However, it must be applied multiple times and should not be used near flowering plants to avoid harming pollinators. In forests, efforts focus on monitoring the resilience of boxwood rather than trying to eliminate the established moth population. Despite the damage, some boxwood plants have been known to regrow from the base after years of repeated attacks, offering a glimmer of hope for their survival.