Urban Areas as Potential Sinks for Tropical Swallowtail Moth Lyssa zampa

(1) The tropical swallowtail moth Lyssa zampa received much public attention during its years of mass emergence in Singapore and Southeast Asia. However, despite prominence, little is known about population demographics spatial ecology. This study aims to establish the annual abundance L. zampa, determine patterns occurrence, examine morphological variation demonstrated by with an emphasis on comparing urban vs. forest areas Singapore. (2) Various sources (field surveys across 18 sites, citizen science datasets expert knowledge) were used catalogue records from 2011 2020 analyse seasonal abundance. (3) We confirmed peak be between May July, unusually high 2014. intensity was associated a dry spell February that year. total number sighted higher moth’s host plant being tree restricted mature forests absent areas. suggests occurrence likely due attraction bright city lights. Our morphometric measurements further show individuals have greater wing length lighter body weights (smaller widths) than their counterparts. (4) implies are not only drawing moths unable find plants and, therefore, cannot produce offspring but also attracting larger better flyers out situation worsen as climate change intensifies spells become longer more intense.