The box tree moth, which arrived in England in 2007, has been seen more frequently further north.
A moth whose caterpillars can destroy the leaves of box plants is likely to become more common in north-east England, experts have said.
The moths had crossed the River Tees in the last couple of years and were "pushing northwards," Dr Wainwright said.It has been causing problems for gardeners in the South East, with the Royal Horticultural Society issuingDr Stephanie Bird, plant health scientist at the RHS, said the main bulk of the insect's population was in London and the surrounding areas, but it was spreading and would become "more common in more northerly places" where box was being grown.
Dr Wainwright said it was "significant" for the region and "only a matter of time" before the moths spread further north.
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