!["In the past there have been rare cases where moths from the sub-tropics were discovered in the island regions of the West Sea [Yellow Sea], but this is the first time a species of giant moth like the tropical swallowtail moth has been found." (Image: Yonhap)](http://koreabizwire.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Moth-Yonhap.jpg)
“In the past there have been rare cases where moths from the sub-tropics were discovered in the island regions of the West Sea [Yellow Sea], but this is the first time a species of giant moth like the tropical swallowtail moth has been found.” (Image: Yonhap)
Those were the words of Dr. Son Min Woo, an entomologist at the Buan Silkworm Town in Buan, North Jeolla Province.
The moth was captured on Wido Island off the western coast of North Jeolla Province.
The moth was captured on Wido Island off the western coast of North Jeolla Province. (Image: Korea Tourism Organization)
Measuring 135 mm in width, the giant moth was identified as a lyssa zampa, generally found in tropical environments. It is also referred to as the tropical swallowtail moth.
The discovery of a creature native to much warmer temperatures has raised questions among Dr. Son’s team as to whether the moth is an indicator of climate change.
“A tropical moth coming to the island of Wido is a harbinger of climate change on the peninsula,” Son said.
“A tropical moth coming to the island of Wido is a harbinger of climate change on the peninsula,” Son said. (Image: Korea Tourism Organization)
S.B.W. (sbw266@koreabizwire.com)
