Moth species not seen since 1912 found in passenger’s bag at Detroit airport

DETROIT – Agriculture specialists with U.S. Customs and Border Safety who have been inspecting a passenger’s bag on the Detroit Metro Airport found a species of moth that hasn’t been encountered in 110 years.

The passenger arrived on a flight from the Philippines and was carrying seeds of their baggage that they claimed have been used for medicinal tea.

The specialists seen that there have been exit holes within the seed pods and located moth larvae and pupae. The seeds have been collected and quarantined.

“… whereas in quarantine, a number of of the pupae hatched to disclose ‘very flashy’ moths with raised patches of black setae (bristles),” the CPB press launch said.

The moths have been recognized as being family members Pyralidae however the genus or species was unknown.

A U.S. Division of Agriculture etymologist with the Smithsonian Establishment studied the creatures and decided it was a kind of moth that has not been encountered since 1912.

Advert

“Agriculture specialists play an important function at our nation’s ports of entry by stopping the introduction of dangerous unique plant pests and overseas animal ailments into america,” mentioned Port Director Robert Larkin in a press launch. “This discovery is a testomony to their vital mission of figuring out overseas pests and defending America’s pure sources.”

Additionally on KSAT: