Rare moth found in shipment at Houston-Galveston seaport

HOUSTON While examining a shipment of tiles from Italy, they found a moth that had not previously been discovered in the United States. The national identifier determined the insect to be Bryophila sp. (Noctuidae) and confirmed that it is the first interception of this genus recorded in the U.S.

The Noctuidae species are a family of moths that have been classified as a serious agriculture pest due to the harmful effect they may have on agriculture and environment.

The tile shipment was treated for pests and released.