Giant Asian moths that lay ‘500 eggs at a time and are an IMMINENT danger’ are invading US
GIANT Asian gypsy moths invading America are an "imminent danger" to farms and the natural landscape, experts have warned.
The 3.5-inch insects can fly 20 miles and lay 500 eggs at a time, quickly creating a plague of voracious caterpillars that strip trees bare of leaves.
One gypsy moth species native to Hokkaido in Japan was discovered recently in Washington State near Seattle - the first time it has been sen in the US.
Governor Jay Inslee issued an emergency proclamation last week following the discovery.
The state's Department of Agriculture warned: "This imminent danger of infestation seriously endangers the agricultural and horticultural industries of the state of Washington and seriously threatens the economic well-being and quality of life of state residents."
The thumb-sized killers prey on honeybees and have a powerful sting that can kill a human.
Up to 50 people a year die from hornet stings in their native Japan.
Meanwhile authorities are warning of an invasion of giant lizards in the deep south.
Wildlife officials in Georgia have asked residents to report any sightings of an Argentinian black and white tegu, and to catch or kill them if they can.
Tegu - which are already established in Florida after escaping as pets - grow to more than 4ft and eat small animals, insects, fruit and seeds.
John Jensen, of the state's department of natural resources, said: "They eat just about anything.
"One of their favorite foods are eggs from ground-nesting animals such as gopher tortoises, our protected state reptile"
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