Award-winning actor John Arcilla has expressed deep concern over the sudden surge of tropical swallowtail moths, locally referred to as “mariposa,” recently spotted across various parts of Metro Manila.
In a Facebook post, Arcilla described the phenomenon as a red flag for the country’s ecological health.
“Yes, it’s very alarming. It signifies a threat in our ecological system,” he wrote.
The ‘On the Job’ actor added that the increasing disappearance of forests and native host plants could be driving moths into urban areas, which could have long-term consequences.
“Continuous disappearances of host plants and forests affect their existence and the human resources in return,” he said. “Moths and bees are hosts of plant transfers from territories to another. Their extinction will definitely affect the equilibrium of the ecosystem. It is actually disturbing and fretful.”
Arcilla reshared a post by writer Eric Cabahug, who noted seeing two moths—one in a condo and another inside a mall, both coincidentally named “Light.”
The actor’s remarks were supported by netizens who also reported seeing the large, nocturnal insects in offices, homes, and public areas in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, research associate Edriel Lee explained that the moths, scientifically known as Lyssa zampa, are not dangerous to humans. In an interview with ‘State of the Nation’, Lee said that moths are commonly found in Southeast Asia but are now venturing into cities due to forest loss and the resulting scarcity of host plants.
“As food becomes scarce in forests, the moths may be forced to look elsewhere for places where their larvae can feed,” said Lee. “Now, as you probably know, moths are generally attracted to light. In search of new hosts, they become tempted to detour into the glistening, shimmering urban metropolis.”
However, Lee warned that the absence of host plants in these areas may prevent the moths from reproducing, potentially affecting their long-term survival.
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Beyond the scientific explanations, the appearance of the mariposa has also sparked conversations around Filipino superstitions, with some believing that a large moth visiting one’s home is a spiritual sign that a deceased loved one is nearby.
