John Arcilla on swallowtail moths around Metro Manila: ‘Very alarming’

John Arcilla. Image: Instagram/@starmagicphils

John Arcilla expressed his concern about the recent emergence of tropical swallowtail moths around Metro Manila, saying it shows signs of a threat in the country’s ecological system.

Tropical swallowtail moths have been spotted in multiple areas around Metro Manila recently, sparking speculations about a possible phenomenon or health concerns. These “large, striking moths” (scientific name, lyssa zampa) appear at day time and look much like a mariposa, a kind of giant butterfly.

Arcilla shared a social media post of UP biologist Ediel Lee, who said that these moths have become common in urban areas such as Metro Manila likely due to the disappearance of “host plants.”

Lee, in his post, said, “As food becomes scarce in forests, the moths may be forced to look elsewhere for places where their larvae can feed.” He further said that moths emerge in the cities in search of their new hosts, but this might post a problem for the genetic health of these insects as only those with “strong flight capabilities” might be able to migrate, or might find it difficult to reproduce with the absence of host plants in their new habitat.

Despite this, Lee said the presence of moths in highly-urbanized areas does not pose any harm to humans.

The multi-awarded actor, whose own social media posts are known to be socially thought-provoking, found this worrisome for the environment.

“Yes, [it’s] very alarming. It signifies a threat in our ecological system. Continuous disappearances of host plants and forests affect their existence and the human resources in return,” he said.

Yes its very alarming. It signifies a threat in our ecological system. Continuous Disappearances of host plants and forests affect their existence and the human resources in return. Moths and bees are hosts of plant transfers from territories to another. Their extinction will… pic.twitter.com/o8tOCuiJhN

— John Arcilla official (@JohnArcilla) June 20, 2025

The actor added that the possible extinction of moths and other insects affects the ecosystem in the long run.

“Moths and bees are hosts of plant transfers from [territory] to another. Their extinction will definitely affect the equilibrium of the ecosystem. It is actually disturbing and fretful,” he said.

Earlier, Arcilla appeared to assail the Senate’s move to return the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte to the House of Representatives. He also previously voiced his concerns about the high prices of basic goods, and apparent lack of budget for the education sector, among other matters. /edv