World's Largest Moth Species Found In Washington State

An atlas moth, an invasive species with a wingspan that can reach 10 inches, has been found in Bellevue, Washington. KING's Kalie Greenberg reports.

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#Animals #InvasiveSpecies #Washington

[JasonB]

It either hitched a ride on a shipping container or someone got it as a exotic pet and it somehow got loose. It’s pretty hot and humid this summer so it feels right at home. It’s pretty scary to see and insect of that size but I hope no one kills it. It’s harmless.

[Zombiekiller]

Wings don't look like a map at all. I think it was named Atlas because of its size. Atlas is the name of a Titan in Greek mythology. Atlas was punished to hold the heavens on his shoulders. Now that's big!

Edit: thank you so much to everyone for their kind words and support over a comment that was left to me that was cruel and unnecessary. I thought maybe my passion for knowledge and the world we share with creatures of all kinds was being perceived as annoying, but I see many share the same passion. You really lifted my sprit.

[czarinagarcia]

I seen one of these in the Philippines one time shortly after my grandma passed. It was as big as my head and perched itself On the ceiling of her front porch when all of us were gathered there. It was her favorite spot and she would always spend her time there on the porch watching the neighborhood and talking to all other friends. We believe it’s the spirits of our loved ones coming to visit and saying lay goodbyes

[marcuscarana]

Fun fact: This species is the one that inspired the creation of Mothra in the Godzilla universe. Also, my theory is that this was brought in the US and someone had it as a pet. Some Americans are able to get their hands on these. They don't even have mouths or stomachs and only live for a couple of days. They wouldn't have been able to survive traveling to the US coming from Asia, and it isn't in their nature to travel so far either so it's highly likely that this moth had human intervention with its arrival to the US.

[chadachwilliam]

What a absolutely trippy camouflage mirage. Two snakes and a scarab looks like the flag for a super villain tbh

[zsong]

It’s beautiful. I can’t believe anyone would run from it.

[haven_lady]

What a beautiful moth. Such mesmerizing patterns

[mspears_bobobuddytheseniorcat]

That’s a lot better than “Murder Hornets!”

[LotsofStuffYT]

if that moth is 10 inches than that persons hand is like 15 inches, is that Andre the Giant?

[Coolkc]

The United States has a similar moth called the Cecropia Moth. It's about half the size of an Atlas Moth, which is still pretty big. However, the Cecropia Moth is only found on the east coast and parts of Central. As a moth and butterfly enthusiast, I'd actually love to see an Atlas Moth in person.

[sandramorey]

I collected a Telia Moth on a coke machine in front of a gas station in FortBragg, CA. I was a nature counselor at a summer camp inland. I kept it for a few days, took it back and put it back on the
coke machine. It was as large as the Atlas but a beautiful maroon color.

[toothygrin]

I found this exact moth sitting on the outside of my parents house about 10 years ago in boundary County Idaho. no one believed me and I even took pictures of it. now they're in Washington too. guess I wasn't crazy

[Trund]

Gorgeous! 😍😍
Look at the “snake heads” on the tips of the wings!! 😳😳😳

[ForestNinjaZero]

Ten minutes later, Godzilla emerges from ocean to level the city. 😆

[WiseSnake]

These moths are illegally sold on Ebay from time to time.
A seller was recently shut down around the time this moth was discovered.
And considering how fresh the moth looked, the purchaser was probably in or around the neighborhood, too.

[topsilog]

anyone else recognized it solely from playing animal crossing? 😂

[AverytheCubanAmerican]

If a group of them were in a tropical climate like Florida or Hawaii on the other hand, I'd much be concerned considering just how many invasive species they already have.

That being said, I'm assuming this is someone's escaped pet. Atlas moths don't live very long. The caterpillars will eat for 35 to 45 days, and then the moth lives for only one to weeks with the main focus of finding a mate. They don't really travel far from its cocoon to save energy for reproduction.

[DoubleDippChipp]

✊🏽😂🤣
0:21
He is probably Thinking 💭
This is Bigger then My <o<k

[ciaragarrity]

One time I found one of these in Illinois, and I thought, How did it get here?
And now I think someone kept it as a pet and released it into the wild. The moth litterally went on the window of our house.
This happened when I was little.

[brooklynnchick]

This is beautiful, I am so happy that it has been found in the US.