Tropical swallowtail moths in Metro Manila: What you need to know
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Tropical swallowtail moths in Metro Manila: What you need to know
ABS-CBN News Digital Intern,
Klare Basilia
Published Jun 26, 2025 10:01 AM PHT
MANILA — Brown moths have recently been spotted fluttering through streets and residential areas in Metro Manila, sparking curiosity — and concern — among some residents.
MANILA — Brown moths have recently been spotted fluttering through streets and residential areas in Metro Manila, sparking curiosity — and concern — among some residents.
According to research associate Edriel Lee, these are Tropical Swallowtail Moths or Lyssa zampa.
According to research associate Edriel Lee, these are Tropical Swallowtail Moths or Lyssa zampa.
“Yung Tropical Swallowtail Moth, yun yung common name niya, and the scientific name is Lyssa zampa. It is a lepidopteran that belongs to the family Uraniidae,” Lee said.
“Yung Tropical Swallowtail Moth, yun yung common name niya, and the scientific name is Lyssa zampa. It is a lepidopteran that belongs to the family Uraniidae,” Lee said.
“It’s a fairly large moth. Yung wingspan niya can reach up to 6 inches wide… dark brown, and it has a white medial band that sweeps diagonally across both its forewings and hindwings.”
“It’s a fairly large moth. Yung wingspan niya can reach up to 6 inches wide… dark brown, and it has a white medial band that sweeps diagonally across both its forewings and hindwings.”
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These moths are native to the Philippines and Southeast Asia. Their increased visibility in Metro Manila, Lee explained, could be linked to environmental changes and their search for food sources.
These moths are native to the Philippines and Southeast Asia. Their increased visibility in Metro Manila, Lee explained, could be linked to environmental changes and their search for food sources.
“Actually, this species is native to the Philippines… it’s within its native range naman po talaga,” he said.
“Actually, this species is native to the Philippines… it’s within its native range naman po talaga,” he said.
“Pero yung increased sightings of these moths in urban area… possibly because the moths [are] migrating or getting trapped in urban areas as they seek to find new places with available host plants.”
“Pero yung increased sightings of these moths in urban area… possibly because the moths [are] migrating or getting trapped in urban areas as they seek to find new places with available host plants.”
He cited a 2023 Singapore-based study that observed similar mass emergences after dry spells, which make plants more attractive and vulnerable to caterpillars.
He cited a 2023 Singapore-based study that observed similar mass emergences after dry spells, which make plants more attractive and vulnerable to caterpillars.
Tropical Swallowtail Moths, like many moth species, are known to be drawn to artificial lights at night.
Tropical Swallowtail Moths, like many moth species, are known to be drawn to artificial lights at night.
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“Moths are generally positively phototactic,” Lee said. “Phototaxis refers to the movement of an organism in response to light… so we say that it is positive, if it goes toward the source.”
“Moths are generally positively phototactic,” Lee said. “Phototaxis refers to the movement of an organism in response to light… so we say that it is positive, if it goes toward the source.”
Despite their size, the moths pose no danger to people or animals.
Despite their size, the moths pose no danger to people or animals.
“They are docile, they are not poisonous, and they don’t bite or transmit diseases,” he said.
“They are docile, they are not poisonous, and they don’t bite or transmit diseases,” he said.
“I also don’t see them posing as a threat naman sa mga buildings or structures. [Also,] based on what we know about their host plants, their caterpillars don’t feed on food crops.”
“I also don’t see them posing as a threat naman sa mga buildings or structures. [Also,] based on what we know about their host plants, their caterpillars don’t feed on food crops.”
Lee added that Tropical Swallowtail Moths usually appear between May to July, though more local research is needed to deduce long-term patterns.
Lee added that Tropical Swallowtail Moths usually appear between May to July, though more local research is needed to deduce long-term patterns.
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As for what to do if you spot one, he advised, “I would advise ‘no to not panic as much as you can, kasi I assure you na they can’t harm you… You may document them, as long as you won’t inflict harm in doing so.”
As for what to do if you spot one, he advised, “I would advise ‘no to not panic as much as you can, kasi I assure you na they can’t harm you… You may document them, as long as you won’t inflict harm in doing so.”
He also encouraged submitting sightings to platforms like iNaturalist, or posting on social media with tagged locations to help scientists track the sightings and understand moth distribution.
He also encouraged submitting sightings to platforms like iNaturalist, or posting on social media with tagged locations to help scientists track the sightings and understand moth distribution.
Lee hopes this wave of sightings helps people reframe how they view insects.
Lee hopes this wave of sightings helps people reframe how they view insects.
“Insects are largely underrated, and they have this unfair reputation of being called as pests,” he said.
“Insects are largely underrated, and they have this unfair reputation of being called as pests,” he said.
“They come in all shapes and sizes… they are very integral to the environment and our survival as a species.”
“They come in all shapes and sizes… they are very integral to the environment and our survival as a species.”
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