For the first time in the United States, experts have reported the presence of one of the world’s largest known moths. Residents are now urged to report any additional sightings of this remarkable insect.
Entomologists in Washington state recently confirmed the discovery of an atlas moth in Bellevue, located west of Seattle. The moth was spotted on the side of a garage by a University of Washington professor in early July, and its species was verified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
This marks the first documented instance of the atlas moth being detected in the U.S. Native to Asia, specifically from India to the Philippines and south to Indonesia, the atlas moth boasts a wingspan of 10 inches, ranking second only to the white witch moth of Central and South America, which spans 14 inches.
The intricate patterns on its wings are both captivating and serve a purpose as a defense mechanism against birds seeking a meal. When its wings are open, they resemble two cobra heads, effectively deterring potential predators.
Despite its large size, the atlas moth has a short lifespan. London’s Natural History Museum explains that the moth’s proboscis, which is used for drinking nectar like other butterflies and moths, is extremely small and non-functional. Consequently, the moth typically survives for only one to two weeks as it cannot feed.
As caterpillars, they derive much of their sustenance by consuming leaves from various trees including cinnamon, citrus fruit, guava, and Jamaican cherry. These moth caterpillars also produce silk, and the cocoons they create are sometimes repurposed as purses, as noted by the Museum.
In the United States, the atlas moth is considered a federally quarantined pest according to Washington State officials. This designation means that it is unlawful to possess or trade live atlas moths, regardless of their life stage, without obtaining a permit from the USDA.
The sole atlas moth ever recorded in Washington has yet to indicate the establishment of a population within the state. Authorities currently lack a method for trapping the moth and are thus dependent on public sightings to gauge its presence.
There’s no explanation from officials regarding how the moth could have arrived in the U.S.
Given its tropical nature, Sven Spichiger, who manages entomology for the state’s Department of Agriculture, questions whether the atlas moth could endure the Pacific Northwest’s climate.
Spichiger stated, “The USDA is compiling available scientific and technical data on this moth and will propose response measures. In the meantime, we urge residents to help us ascertain whether this was an isolated incident or if there might be a local population.”
Residents are encouraged to photograph any sightings of this captivating moth, note the location, and inform their state or local agriculture department.
As authorities on the opposite coast issue warnings for residents to eradicate a striking yet invasive insect that poses a significant threat to certain tree species and even the grape and wine sectors, a rare sighting of this pest has been reported.
Measuring approximately one inch in size, the spotted lanternfly boasts distinctive spots and a pair of vivid red wings. It was first identified in the United States in 2014 and has since spread to 11 states, mainly in the Northeast. Originating from China, this insect feeds on various trees including fruit, ornamental, and woody species, with a particular affinity for the tree of heaven, another invasive species from China, as noted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Experts warn that if left unchecked, the spread of the spotted lanternfly could have serious repercussions for the nation’s grape, orchard, and forestry sectors.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture identifies most states as susceptible to the impact of the spotted lanternfly. By utilizing the department’s Pest Tracker, individuals can assess whether their state may provide a suitable habitat for this invasive insect, along with 20 other “targeted Hungry Pests.”
