Tropical Swallowtail Moths spotted in Metro Manila pose no danger to humans, says expert

Residents across Metro Manila have recently noticed the presence of giant moths, some as large as a hand, fluttering through urban areas.

According to Darlene Cay’s report on “SONA,” Friday, these insects have been identified as Tropical Swallowtail Moths.

“It belongs to the Family Unariidae, no? And ‘yung pinaka itsura po niya, it's brown, tapos meron po siyang similar—quite similar to the swallowtail butterflies,” research associate Edriel Lee said.

They are native to Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, and the increasing presence of these moths in cities is likely due to their attraction to light.

“Tinatawag po natin silang positively phototactic. Ibig sabihin po no’n, attracted po sila sa ilaw. Doon sa area na normally they reside in, nauubusan na po sila ng host plants na puwede pangitlugan para kainin ng mga caterpillars nila. What happens is naghanap sila ng new places na may host plants na to lay eggs on,” Lee said.

This search often leads them astray in brightly lit urban areas.

Despite their imposing size, the expert assured the public that there is no need to fear them.

“Wala talaga siyang pino-pose na any dangers to humans kasi hindi sila nakakakagat, hindi na sila nakaka-transmit ng any diseases sa atin,” Lee said.

“At kapag dumapo naman po sila sa atin, I hope na we treat them with gentleness and respect na lang, ‘no? Just just let them be.” —Carby Rose Basina/JCB, GMA Integrated News