Giant moths are increasingly making their way into homes across Spain.
With wingspans stretching up to 15 centimetres, these winged intruders are turning up in kitchens, bedrooms and even office buildings from Madrid to Malaga.
Social media has been flooded with footage of panicked residents swatting at what some have dubbed ‘nighttime bats in disguise.’
But while the size might be unsettling, experts say there’s no need to panic and in fact, that the useful creatures should be not be harmed.
The rise of the mothzilla
So, what are they?
Most of the moths causing alarm are from the Erebidae family, with the Black Witch (Ascalapha odorata) and Giant Leopard Moth among the suspects. Native to warmer climates, these nocturnal creatures are being spotted more frequently in Spain as temperatures climb and weather patterns shift.
There are more reports of large moths this year due to an unusually warm spring followed by sudden humidity.
Experts say it creates a perfect storm for moth activity, especially near urban lighting where they tend to gather.
In short: climate change, coupled with Spain’s particularly toasty spring, is coaxing these gentle giants out of their usual habitats and into ours.
Are they dangerous?
They’re harmless. These moths don’t sting, bite or spread disease. They aren’t interested in you, your dog, or your dinner. In fact, most are too busy trying to get out of your living room window to notice your screaming.
That said, their size can be unsettling. And if you happen to be a houseplant owner, a small subset of species — like the pine processionary moth — can be problematic, particularly in their caterpillar form, which is toxic to pets and irritating to human skin. But the large moths now appearing in homes are mostly harmless drifters.
Why now?
Spring and summer mark peak moth season, and with lights left on and windows open, they often get disoriented and make their way indoors. Their attraction to light – known as positive phototaxis – essentially causes them to crash every evening garden party from May through August.
Should we be worried?
No, you should not fear the moths, but a few precautions can help if you’re not eager to share your evening with airborne giants.
- Keep windows closed or install screens at night if you live in an area with high insect activity.
- Turn off unnecessary outdoor lighting, which acts as a beacon for moths and other insects.
- Use soft yellow or red lightbulbs if you want to reduce your moth magnetism – they’re less attractive to flying insects.
- Don’t swat – many of these moths are fragile and beneficial pollinators. Gently guide them outside with a piece of paper or a glass.
