An extremely rare moth species was recently encountered at Detroit Metropolitan Airport and is considered to be the first sign of the species since 1912. (Credit: (U.S.
Customs and Border Protection) ROMULUS, Mich. - An extremely rare moth species was recently encountered at Detroit Metropolitan Airport and is considered to be the first sign of the species since 1912.The discovery was made during a U.S.
Customs and Border Protection inspection after a passenger arrived from the Philippines. Upon opening a personal bag, agriculture specialists discovered seed pods that the passenger claimed were for medicinal tea. HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER ON TVUpon closer review, apparent insect exit holes were discovered in the seed pods that were ultimately intercepted by agents.Moth larvae and pupae were collected from the September 2021 incident for further analysis.A blue lobster was adopted by a zoo after a Red Lobster employee discovered it and recognized its rarity.While in quarantine, several of the pupae hatched to reveal "very flashy" moths with raised patches of black bristles, customs officials said.Physical characteristics indicated the moths to be members of family Pyralidae, but the specimens were sent to the U.S.
Department of Agriculture for further testing.MEXICAN FRUIT SENT PACKING AFTER BORDER PATROL FINDS RARE BEETLEA USDA Smithsonian Institution etymologist later confirmed the findings and noted this was the first time that a larvae or pupae associated with this species has been collected. RELATED: Rare blue lobster saved by Red Lobster employees and sent to zoo"Agriculture specialists play a vital role at our nation’s ports of entry by preventing the introduction of harmful exotic plant pests and foreign animal.