DETROIT – What looked like seeds were recently seized from a passenger arriving at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport, officials said. The seeds later hatched into a “very flashy” moth species that hasn’t been seen since 1912.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists discovered seeds in the personal baggage of a passenger arriving on a flight from the Philippines in September 2021, according to a May 16 news release. The passenger claimed the seed pods were for medicinal tea.
Closer inspection revealed apparent insect exit holes in the pods, and they were seized for further analysis, officials said. Moth larvae and pupae were collected.
While in quarantine, several of the pupae hatched to reveal “very flashy” moths with raised patches of black setae (bristles), the release states. Physical characteristics indicated the moths to be members of family Pyralidae, commonly known as snout moths, however genius or species were not able to be determined by CBP agriculture specialist. Specimens were submitted to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for identification.
A USDA Smithsonian Institution entomologist later confirmed with CBP this was the first encounter of this species of moth since it was first described in 1912. This was also the first time that a larvae or pupae associated with this species has been collected.
Agriculture specialists “play a vital role” in preventing the introduction of harmful exotic plants and foreign animal diseases from entering the United States, said Port Director Robert Larkin.
“This discovery is a testament to their important mission of identifying foreign pests and protecting America’s natural resources,” he said.
Each year, CBP agriculture specialists intercept tens of thousands of “actionable pests” – those identified through scientific risk assessment and study as being dangerous to the health and safety of U.S. agricultural resources.
All travelers entering the United States are required to declare meats, fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, soil, animals, and plant and animal products (including soup or soup products) they’re carrying. The declaration must cover all items carried in checked baggage, carry-on luggage, or in a vehicle. Failure to declare agricultural items can result in penalties.
Upon examination of plants, animal products, and associated items, CBP agriculture specialists determine if these items meet the entry requirements of the United States
Visit CBP.gov to learn more about what CBP agriculture specialists do to protect agriculture.
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