U.S. customs agents find Asian gypsy moth eggs on vessel from Japan

[AsahinaKimi]

LOS ANGELES —

U.S. customs agents have removed masses of eggs of the “voracious” Asian gypsy moth that had infested a vessel headed into California from Japan, officials said Tuesday.

The pests, if introduced to the United States, “would pose a major threat of defoliation and deterioration to forest habitats” across the country, the US Department of Homeland Security said in a statement.

The vessel, which was headed to the Los Angeles-Long Beach seaport earlier this month, was found to have 24 “egg masses” in the gangway, tucked under pipes, and on the main deck. One dead adult Asian gypsy moth was also found.

The eggs were removed before their hatching, in which they emerge as caterpillars. It is in this stage that they cause all of the species’ damage, “as they feed their voracious appetite during this active period of growth.”


more..
http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/u-s-customs-agents-find-asian-gypsy-moth-eggs-on-vessel-from-japan

[drm604]

1. Thank goodness for the government and customs agents.

:patriot:

[valerief]

2. Keep your government out of my gypsy moths! nt

[dixiegrrrrl]

3. Wonder if they checked the vessel for radiation?

Or the egg "masses".

(anyone else here see the potential fora "mutant moth" move script?)

[AsahinaKimi]

4. What? Like MOTHRA???

Godzilla will be pissed!

[Generic Other]

5. Petty Booka from Infant Island

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1ufBkSnmRk

Infant Island is the home of the miniature Shobijin Priestesses and the guardian of Infant Island, Mothra, whom they serve. The first appearance of the island is in the original Mothra film from 1960. It appears to be an island in the South Pacific and is only inhabited by the cult that worships Mothra.

[dixiegrrrrl]

7. OMG...a movie i managed to miss.

Should have known it was already done.

[applegrove]

6. Found because of regulations. I'd love to hear Michelle Bachmann's take on such government programs.

[Retrograde]

8. Yeah, what possible harm could voracious insects do in California?

I mean, it's only the largest agriculture state in the country - what's a few plant-eating bugs? :sarcasm:

Keep up the good work, inspectors!