The giant species is usually found in the forests of Asia, not Washington.
For the first time, one of the world’s largest moths has been officially documented in the United States. Because Atlas moths, which have a wingspan of 25 centimeters (10 inches), are generally found in Asia’s tropical jungles, entomologists are baffled as to how the prohibited insect ended itself in Washington.
Patrick C Tobin, an associate professor of ecology at the University of Washington, first reported the moth to the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) on July 7. The specimen was forwarded to the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Investigation Service, which confirmed on July 27 that it was, indeed, an atlas moth.
The species is a legally quarantined pest in the United States, which means it is prohibited to obtain, harbor, raise, or sell live moths without a USDA permission. This is due to the possibility of it becoming an invasive species, posing a threat to agriculture, the natural environment, or native species in the United States.
Because of the rigorous limitations imposed on this species, its arrival in the United States is even more unusual.
“An individual from Seattle’s Bellevue neighborhood, where the adult moth was discovered, was selling live Atlas moth cocoons sourced from Thailand on eBay. This is by far the most logical explanation for the adult moth’s discovery “Tobin also contributed.
Atlas moths have previously been observed outside of their normal area. A large atlas moth was observed near Ramsbottom, Greater Manchester, UK, in 2012. It was assumed that the individual had escaped from a private collection in this case.
If you think you’ve seen an atlas moth in Washington, take a photo and send it to [email protected], along with some information about where you saw it. Outside of Washington, you should notify your state’s State Plant Regulatory Official or State Plant Health Director.
Patrick C Tobin quotations have been added to this article.
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