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Nature & Environment

Malaysia invaded by giant 6-inch moths

By T.K. Randall
June 18, 2014 · Comment icon 25 comments

The moths have been attracted to urban areas. Image Credit: CC BY-SA 3.0 Mokkie
Swarms of the flying insects have been descending on towns across the country in their thousands.
Like a scene from a horror movie, walls and surfaces across Malaysia have been crawling with huge numbers of furry winged insects in recent weeks. Despite measuring up to 16cm in length however the moths are considered harmless and officials have emphasized that there is no need for alarm.

"The moths are actually present during other times of the year but in very small numbers, so they are usually not noticed by people," said biology lecturer N Sivasothi.
It isn't clear why there are quite so many this year but experts believe it could either be due to favorable weather conditions or because there is a lack of natural predators. They are also thought to be attracted to urban areas by the city lights.

Some people believe that the moths hold spiritual or superstitious significance.

"In China, moths are viewed as symbols of death as they represent the souls of deceased loved ones," said astrologer Cindy Wu. "It is therefore considered a serious taboo to kill moths or disturb them."



Source: BBC News | Comments (25)




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Recent comments on this story
Comment icon #16 Posted by SaraT 10 years ago
The movies have taught me that if you start getting weird prophecies in your sleep whenever big moths are around, then a bridge is going to collapse somewhere with a number of people on it.
Comment icon #17 Posted by Calibeliever 10 years ago
They are kinda pretty! Agreed, they're pretty cool looking.
Comment icon #18 Posted by coolguy 10 years ago
They are awesome looking.when I was a kid my area was invaded by gypsy moths these things where all over the place by the millions. Near my house there is a road with woods on both sides you could see millions of them crossing the st to get to the other side and at night if we slept with the window open we could hear them eating the leafs.
Comment icon #19 Posted by FizzPuff 10 years ago
Hmm, looks like a silk moth(Thank you for that knowledge animal crossing)
Comment icon #20 Posted by neutralsceptic 10 years ago
so powerful...so beautiful
Comment icon #21 Posted by Still Waters 10 years ago
Im 6'5 and 130kg retired boxer and former South african strong man competitor, and nothing makes me run faster than moths or butterfly's!they absolutely terrify me! Swarms of 6" moths is worse than any nightmare! Ive officially scored Malaysia off my bucket list holiday destinations! You'd get on well with my sister-in-law, she's scared of moths too and much smaller ones than these.
Comment icon #22 Posted by coolguy 10 years ago
My friend found one of these at her store she owns,well not this one but the same shape lol
Comment icon #23 Posted by g00dfella 10 years ago
Good
Comment icon #24 Posted by Astra00 10 years ago
(Read this with a southern accent in mind).. We have mosquitos that big in Tennessee. It feels like you were hit by a car when they stab you with their sucker part and if they are not finished with their meal, they will fly off with people still attached. ~Maximus
Comment icon #25 Posted by Rei4ever 10 years ago
Actually if a shinigami use its zanpaktou's hilt into a forehead of a soul it will turn into a black moth and will go to Soul society lol......


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