Why is there a large concentration of "mashos" in Cuenca?
Heavy rains following a prolonged drought have caused a simultaneous hatching of a large number of nocturnal moths known as “mashos”. They rest in areas with high levels of electric lighting. These are the explanations given by experts for this unusual phenomenon that is being observed these days in the city of Cuenca.
The facade of the Cathedral, due to its reflectors, is the most affected by the presence of these insects. On the front, between the domes and other spaces, they can be seen forming a kind of mantle that attracts attention.
They are also found on street lamp posts and near streetlights and lamps in houses. Some mashos are larger than others depending on their variety because they can reach a wingspan of up to 24 centimetres (cm).
Invasion with a variety of species
Specifically, the Entomology Laboratory of the University of Azuay (UDA) shared an article last weekend on the subject to refer to the species of moths that are in the Cathedral and reach other sectors of the city. It listed that there is the Erinnyis ello of the Sphingidae family, and five species of the Erebidae family gonodonta pyrgo, Eudocima procus, Neophisma tropicalis, Thysania zenobia and Ascalapha adorata.
Edgar Segovia, a biologist and researcher at the Catholic University of Cuenca, goes further and claims that 11 species have been found perched on the facade of the Cathedral with two or three colour morphs. He even believes that in the next few days the number of species that generally inhabit the urban area and the outskirts of Cuenca could increase to 22.
He believes it will take a month or maybe a little longer for this phenomenon to end because these insects have a short life span, which can be between two to three months.
Recommendation to stop mashos
Experts recommend that mashos be left alone. Their presence will decrease as they complete their life cycle.
For Nataly Aguilar, a biologist and technician in the breeding of invertebrates at the Amaru Biopark, these insects are not dangerous, nor do they represent a risk to health. On the contrary, they are important pollinators due to their great flight and carrying capacity.
Everyone agrees that this outbreak of nocturnal butterflies should be used as a tourist attraction, as they do in other countries such as Mexico. It is a natural spectacle for people. -(I)
How to deal with invasion phobia?
Although experts say that mashos are defenseless, there are people who are afraid or suffer from a phobia of these insects.
According to Paul Delgado, a clinical psychologist from the Damas Salesianas Association, phobia is a “quite” high level of anxiety for people. “Many people tend to feel inhibited by not seeing these animals in the social environment, and even stagnate in their daily activities. There is psychological discomfort for the person and their areas of interrelation,” Delgado said.
He advised those who are afraid of these insects to undergo comprehensive psychotherapeutic treatment, especially one based on cognitive behavioral therapy. This will help them to confront their fear in a systematic and gradual manner. (I)