U.S. Customs and Border Protection authorities recently revealed an encounter with a moth species at Detroit Metro Airport that was last seen over 100 years ago in 1912.

The discovery was made in September after an inspection of a man's personal belongings led to the moth's interception, according to a Monday release from CBP.

"Agriculture specialists discovered seeds in the personal baggage of a passenger who claimed the pods were for medicinal tea," the release read. "Upon closer inspection, apparent insect exit holes were discovered in the seed pods that were ultimately intercepted by CBP."

SEE IT: IMAGE OF MARS' DOORWAY' SPARKS CONSPIRACY THEORIES

The man had arrived from the Philippines.

Larvae and pupae were retrieved, and several of the pupae hatched and revealed "very flashy" moths.

The insects had raised patches of black setae (bristles), and physical characteristics indicated they were members of the Pyralidae family.

"A USDA Smithsonian Institution etymologist later confirmed with CBP this was a first encounter of this species of moth since it was first described in 1912," according to CBP.

The incident is also the first time the species' larvae or pupae have been collected.

"Agriculture specialists play a vital role at our nation's ports of entry by preventing the introduction of harmful exotic plant pests and foreign animal diseases into the United States," port director Robert Larkin said.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

"This discovery is a testament to their important mission of identifying foreign pests and protecting America's natural resources."