In 2018, an invertebrate biologist discovered an unfamiliar black caterpillar feeding on a māmaki plant in Olowalu Valley. Experts confirmed the caterpillar was ramie moth, a species native to Southeast Asia that aggressively feeds on plants in the nettle family, like māmaki. The biologist’s sighting marked the first confirmation of ramie moth in Hawai‘i and … Read More about Kia‘i Moku: Ramie Moth Still Threatens Native Plants, But Natural Predators Offer Hope
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Kia‘i Moku: Ramie Moth Still Threatens Native Plants, But Natural Predators Offer Hope
Damage to māmaki plant by moth highlights need for biosecurity
Last October, Keahi Bustamente was looking for rare snails in Olowalu Valley when he noticed a māmaki plant showing signs that something had been eating it. A quick look revealed the culprit was a black caterpillar. He plucked the unfamiliar insect in hopes he had found something new – perhaps a native species. Bustamente is … Read More about Damage to māmaki plant by moth highlights need for biosecurity
Protecting Māmaki From Invasive Species
The Kamehameha butterfly, the state insect of Hawaiʻi, is found nowhere else in the world and neither is the plant that feeds and supports the caterpillars as they develop into adults. Māmaki is the main host for this native butterfly, and supports other rare forest inhabitants such as the udea moth, happy-faced spider, and various … Read More about Protecting Māmaki From Invasive Species
