One of the largest butterflies in the world has been observed in the United States.

A resident of Bellevue, Washington found the insect on his garage door.

It could be the most gigantic in the world, reports

Geo

relaying information from the

Seattle Times

.

But what is especially surprising is that the animal normally lives in Southeast Asia.

This discovery would therefore be the first in the United States.

The resident shared his find by email with an entomologist.

The latter then asked him to catch the moth and place it in a bag.

"The male couldn't have been more than a few hours old.

Its wings were in perfect condition.

Not a single scale was missing from his body, ”explained the expert to the American media.

The world's largest moth has landed in #Bellevue.

Unfortunately, it is a federally quarantined pest, believed to feed on apple and cherry trees.

Please photograph and report suspected sightings to our Pest Program.

https://t.co/E4OMxDC7sZ pic.twitter.com/8rdWXgAJJd

— Washington State Department of Agriculture (@WSDAgov) August 5, 2022

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Sold on the Internet?

The Atlas was stored in a freezer and then turned over to the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA).

The size of an adult man's hand, the insect is said to have been illegally sold on Ebay and sent from Thailand.

This insect does not live more than two weeks during which its life is limited to mating and laying eggs.

It is therefore harmless to humans.

Its giant caterpillars, which can reach 17 cm, could however threaten the agricultural industry.

According to the WSDA, the Atlas is legally considered a "Federally Quarantined Pest".

It is therefore illegal to “obtain, harbor, breed or sell live butterflies” at any stage of their life.

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  • Animals

  • UNITED STATES

  • Bug

  • Thailand

  • Environment

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