Moth Species Not Seen in the US for 100 Years Found in Passenger's Luggage at Detroit Metro Airport

Moth species and their larvae were found tucked inside seeds in the luggage of a passenger at Detroit Metro Airport in Detroit, Michigan, according to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents.

The discovery has been surprising since the said moths were neither seen in Michigan nor across the United States for 100 years.

The incident adds to the ongoing measures implemented by US customs officials against the so-called practice of "bug smuggling" or "insect trafficking" into the country from various locations worldwide.

Previous reports suggested these activities are part of a business involving illegal trade.

Suspected Insect Trafficking

CBP agriculture specialists at the Detroit Metro Airport found the moth species after inspecting an arriving passenger from the Philippines in September 2021, according to recent reports on Wednesday, March 18 revealing the details of the inspection.

The unnamed passenger claimed the pods, with purported insect exit holes, are used for medicinal tea.

For purposes of analysis, the CBP agents collected the moth larvae and pupae; where some hatched revealing moths covered with patches of "black setae" or "bristles" with a resemblance to being members of the animal family Pyralidae, according to The Detroit News.

Following the unexpected discovery, an etymologist from the Smithsonian Institution of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reportedly confirmed that it was the first encounter of the moth species since it was first described in 1912.

The USDA etymologist also said it was the first time that such larvae or pupae of the moth had been collected, as cited by Detroit's local media outlet.

The CBP sent the collected moths to the USDA after failing to discern the specific classifications of the insects.

US Inbound Travel Requirements

With regard to the declaration of agricultural items, the US government requires inbound travelers entering the country to declare all their agricultural products, including animals, meats, poultry, seafood, plants, fruits, vegetables, seeds, and soil, according to the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).

Animal and plant-based items are also included in the declaration which a traveler needs to fill in the U.S. Customs Declaration Form.

In addition, most of the mentioned agricultural items are either restricted or prohibited.

US Agricultural Pest Risks

The inspection that took place at the Detroit Metro Airport that led to the discovery of the moth species is one of the measures being implemented by the US government to prevent the spread of disease carried by foreign pests.

US Port Director Robert Larkin stated the discovery is also proof of the country's continuing mission in identifying foreign pests and protecting the natural resources of America, as cited by USA Today.

Moreover, APHIS emphasizes this tightened security aims to protect American agriculture and the environment.

In the worst-case scenario, the US agricultural agency warned that a major pest outbreak or disease outbreak can lead to food shortage, higher grocery bills, and agricultural losses affecting farmers and ranchers.

Over the past century, some insect species across the US have been reported to originate from other countries, including in the continents of Europe and Asia.

A number of these introductions were due to cases of illegal trade such as the mentioned bug smuggling or insect trafficking earlier.