Holm or Evergreen Oak Quercus ilex is a Mediterranean species which was introduced into Britain possibly as early as the 16th century, although Stace & Crawley (2015) give 1862 as the first record. Since then it has continued to be planted in southern Britain, especially in parks and gardens, and is also capable of self-seeding.
Of the over 100 macro-moth and around 80 micro-moth species associated with oaks in Britain, fewer than 10% have extended their host range to include the non-native Holm Oak. David Aggasiz draws attention the handful of species that have taken advantage of establishment of the Holm Oak in Britain to colonise it from the continent.