Close Menu
NERDBOT
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube
    Subscribe
    NERDBOT
    • News
      • Reviews
    • Movies & TV
    • Comics
    • Gaming
    • Collectibles
    • Science & Tech
    • Culture
    • Nerd Voices
    • About Us
      • Join the Team at Nerdbot
    NERDBOT
    Home»News»Atlas Moth Spotted in USA for 1st Time Ever
    atlas moth
    Source: Tony Hisgett (https://flic.kr/p/8qyzE5)
    News

    Atlas Moth Spotted in USA for 1st Time Ever

    Amy DavisBy Amy DavisAugust 19, 20222 Mins Read
    Share
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest Reddit WhatsApp Email

    Entomologists in Washington state confirmed an atlas moth was spotted in Bellevue last month. A resident saw it on the side of their garage, and took a picture before it was reported to The Washington State Department of Agriculture by a University of Washington professor. 

    They are asking residents to report any other sightings of the insect. Spotting one should be easy considering they are one of the world’s largest moths, boasting an impressive 10-inch wing span. It is second in size only to the white witch moth, which has a 14-inch span. The atlas moth’s wing size and pattern are a defense mechanism against predators, since they can look like two cobra heads. 

    Atlas moth
    rubengarciajrphotography (https://flic.kr/p/avzLXK)

    Experts at the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed it was in fact an atlas moth, and believe this is its first sighting in the United States. This moth is a native of Asia- primarily India, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Entomologists aren’t 100% sure if this is a one-off occurrence.

    “The USDA is gathering available scientific and technical information about this moth and will provide response recommendations, but in the meantime, we hope residents will help us learn if this was a one-off escapee or whether there might indeed be a population in the area,” Sven Spichiger, managing entomologist for the state’s Department of Agriculture, said in a statement.

    spotted lanternfly
    U.S. Department of Agriculture (https://flic.kr/p/29VJ6e1)

    According to Washington State officials, the atlas moth is a federally quarantined pest in the United States. It is illegal to have or sell them without a permit from the USDA. Despite this classification, the atlas moth is not to be confused with another invasive species, the spotted lanternfly. Which should be easy because the lanternfly is only 1 inch, and sports bright red wings. The USDA is also asking spotted lanternflies to be reported but also asks citizens to destroy egg masses if found. Since they wreak havoc on several species of tree.

    Do You Want to Know More?

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Email
    Previous ArticleHBO Max Removes 200 Episodes of “Sesame Street”
    Next Article Karin Gist Developing “Ally McBeal” Sequel, Flockhart May Return
    Amy Davis

    Hi, I’m Amy. I like long walks in the graveyard, horror movies, comic books, and bringing you the latest in nerd-centric news.

    Related Posts

    “Mufasa: The Lion King,” 2024

    Disney, Universal File Lawsuit Against Midjourney AI

    June 11, 2025

    Things That Shouldn’t Exist But Do: Pizza Flavored Vodka

    June 10, 2025

    SAG-AFTRA Reaches Possible Deal With Video Game Companies

    June 10, 2025

    Michaels Buys Joann Brand, Will Add Fabric to Stores

    June 10, 2025

    Warner Bros. Discovery Splitting Into 2 Companies, Again

    June 9, 2025
    Muppet*Vision 3D

    Jim Henson’s Daughter is Final Guest For Muppet*Vision 3D

    June 9, 2025
    • Latest
    • News
    • Movies
    • TV
    • Reviews

    Discover the Power of Lennox HVAC Technology with The Chill Brothers

    June 11, 2025

    Security Benefits of IT Support Services

    June 11, 2025
    “Steven Universe: Lars of the Stars”

    “Steven Universe” Sequel “Lars of the Stars” in the Works!

    June 11, 2025
    “Mufasa: The Lion King,” 2024

    Disney, Universal File Lawsuit Against Midjourney AI

    June 11, 2025
    “Mufasa: The Lion King,” 2024

    Disney, Universal File Lawsuit Against Midjourney AI

    June 11, 2025

    Things That Shouldn’t Exist But Do: Pizza Flavored Vodka

    June 10, 2025

    SAG-AFTRA Reaches Possible Deal With Video Game Companies

    June 10, 2025

    Michaels Buys Joann Brand, Will Add Fabric to Stores

    June 10, 2025

    “Incredibles 3” Gets “Elemental” Director Peter Sohn

    June 10, 2025

    “Paradise Lost” Series Still Happening With a New “Wonder Woman” Movie Too

    June 10, 2025

    Amanda Seyfried Confirms “Jennifer’s Body” Sequel Happening

    June 10, 2025

    Mia Goth to Play Villain in “Star Wars: Starfighter”

    June 6, 2025
    “Steven Universe: Lars of the Stars”

    “Steven Universe” Sequel “Lars of the Stars” in the Works!

    June 11, 2025

    Daniel Dae Kim to Lead Spy Thriller Series “Butterfly”

    June 6, 2025

    Amazon MGM Studios Names Showrunner for “Mass Effect” Series

    June 6, 2025

    Noah Hawley’s “Alien: Earth” Gets Official Series Trailer

    June 5, 2025
    “From the World of John Wick: Ballerina,” 2025

    “Ballerina:” Ana De Armas Shines in Fun, Violent Return to the World of Wick [Review]

    June 4, 2025

    “The Life of Chuck” Joyous, Hopeful, Life Affirming [Review]

    June 1, 2025

    “The Phoenican Scheme” Corporate Espionage, Globetrotting Adventure, and Legacy [Review]

    June 1, 2025
    “Karate Kid: Legends,” 2025

    “Karate Kid: Legends,” “Dangerous Animals,” “Just Sing” [review]

    June 1, 2025
    Check Out Our Latest
      • Product Reviews
      • Reviews
      • SDCC 2021
      • SDCC 2022
    Related Posts

    None found

    NERDBOT
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube
    Nerdbot is owned and operated by Nerds! If you have an idea for a story or a cool project send us a holler on [email protected]

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.