643-PEST — Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC)

Be like Bob: The Importance of Reporting Something Out of Place

Posted on September 24, 2021 by Serena Fukushima

Retired state forester Bob Hobdy knows his trees. So, when he was driving through his Haʻikū neighborhood earlier this summer and saw a tree he didn’t recognize, he collected a branch complete with the flowers and seeds. After some sleuthing, he determined that it was Vernonthura polyanthes, a tree that has never been documented in Hawaiʻi, hiding in plain sight. Hobdy, concerned about the invasive potential of this plant, shared his findings with MISC’s Early Detection Specialists, Forest and Kim Starr, who quickly confirmed the identifications. The surprise lies in how far it had already spread.

Vernonanthura polyanthes, or assa-peixe, can grow to about 20 feet in height and has oblong-shaped green leaves. During the winter months in Brazil, assa-peixe puts on a display of delicate white and pink-colored flowers beloved by bees and resembling the blooms of invasive haole koa. Photo: Forest & Kim Starr.

The Starr’s gathered historical aerial photos of the area where this tree was discovered, looking for an indication of how many trees might be there. The results were shocking. In 2008, the area was completely cleared and bare dirt. Photos from 2015 show vegetation regrowth and a sprinkling of this new arrival in open pasture. In 2019, the pasture was completely clogged with mature trees. Recent data shows that this tree has sprouted up from Māliko Gulch to Kaupakalua Gulch, and ranges from about 600-1,000 ft. elevation. Aerial imagery can only go so far, and the Starrʻs are concerned that the pest may have expanded farther than can be detected with only aerial photos. As of the publication date of this article, the invasive tree has colonized an estimated 1,000 acres. Though current data shows this tree to only be in the Haʻikū area, Hobdy has concerns about its potential to spread further. “If left unmanaged, this tree will invade Maui’s agricultural and pasture lands and even has the potential to reach Haleakalā’s leeward native forests.”

Aerial photos taken on Maui of an area where assa-peixe is prevalent shows just how quickly this invasive plant can quickly invade open land. If you spot this invasive tree outside of the Haiku area, report it to 643pest.org. Photo: Forest & Kim Starr .

Vernonathura polyanthes is commonly called assa-peixe (ah-sa-payshay) in its native Brazil. Its leaves are breaded and fried and eaten as a snack, and when prepared this way, the veins of the leaves are reminiscent of fish bones, inspiring the tree’s common name, which translates to “fish roaster.” The tree can grow to about 20 feet in height and has oblong-shaped green leaves. During the winter months in Brazil, assa-peixe puts on a display of delicate white and pink colored flowers, resembling the blooms on invasive haole koa.

Beloved by bees and beekeepers, assa-peixe was exported in the 1990s to Mozambique as a nectar plant for honeybees. It invaded quickly- thriving in open agriculture fields, pasture lands, roadsides, and other areas disturbed by humans and animals. It soon began impacting agricultural communities and economies while creating a significant wildfire threat. Able to regrow after being cut down or after a fire and with seeds that travel easily by wind, assa-peixe moved into neighboring Zimbabwe and quickly became a dominant invasive species in the region within 25 years.
No stranger to working with invasive species throughout his 38-year career, Hobdy remarks, “In less than 20 years, it seems to be doing the same thing on Maui that it’s been doing in Africa. Frankly, this one scares me.”

In less than 20 years, it seems to be doing the same thing on Maui that it’s been doing in Africa. Frankly, this one scares me.

Maui Invasive Species Committee staff and partners plan to conduct more surveys to determine many trees are established. “Even if it seems like something you’ve seen before, be like Bob and investigate. You just may have found something early enough to stop it.” says Starr. He encourages the Maui community to keep an eye out for assa-peixe to learn if it has moved further from the known area. Since the seeds of this tree can quickly disperse on Maui’s trade winds, it has the potential to spread to other places, so catching it early and controlling it in your backyard before it gets out of hand is critical. If you find assa-peixe outside of the Haʻikū area, take a photo and report it to 643pest.org.

Serena Fukushima is the Public Relations and Education Specialist for the Maui Invasive Species Committee. She holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and a graduate degree in education from the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa. “Kiaʻi Moku, Guarding the Island” is written by the Maui Invasive Species Committee to provide information on protecting the island from invasive plants and animals that threaten our islands’ environment, economy and quality of life

This article was originally published in the Maui News on September 11, 2021 as part of the Kia‘i Moku Column from the Maui Invasive Species Committee.

The Case of the Stinging Hitchhiker

Posted on June 23, 2021 by Serena Fukushima

In March of this year, a Lahaina couple reported a stinging but slow-moving, tiny ant- armed with a large stinger that left itchy, red welts. Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC) little fire ant crew leader, Monte Tudor-Long, responded to their report, concerned that the couple had uncovered a new little fire ant infestation. MISC regularly responds to stinging ant reports from members of the public in an effort to prevent the spread of little fire ants (LFA). After samples of the stinging insects were collected and examined, Monte was shocked to find that this was not an ant at all.

The Maui Invasive Species Committee regularly responds to reports of stinging ants in order to rapidly contain and control new little fire ant populations. If you get a sting, give MISC a ring at (808) 573-MISC and learn how to test for LFA here. Photo: Maui Invasive Species Committee

Hawaiʻi has no native ants. About 60 ants have become established in our islands since humans arrived. One of the most damaging is the little fire ant, which accidentally arrived to Hawaii Island in the late 1990s, hitchhiking on imported nursery plants. LFA eventually spread to other islands, including Maui, where they were first discovered on an organic farm in 2009. In Hawaii, these invasive ants create multiple super colonies that cover the trees and the ground, quickly outcompeting other insects in the area. In homes and communities, encounters with LFA have left painful welts on humans and have blinded pets and livestock from repeated stings to their eyes.

LFA are considered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as one of the world’s 100 worst invasive species and are currently being targeted for removal in Maui County.

When Tudor-Long collected several common ants from the Lahaina report, he expected to also find LFA based on the couple’s experience and the red welts they showed him. After viewing them under a microscope, the suspect little fire ant was ruled out from being LFA because its features didn’t match up to one – in fact, its features didn’t match any ant known to be in Hawaii. Upon reaching out to experts to identify this “mystery ant,” it was revealed that it was actually a tiny wasp!

Microscopic images of a little fire ant (left) and wasp (right) show similarities in their appearance (both are armed with stingers that inflict painful stings), however, they are completely different species. If you think you have been stung by little fire ants, report it right away to www.643pest.org. Photo: Maui Invasive Species Committee

Cephalonomia gallicola is a flightless wasp that arrived in Hawai’i around 1930, hitchhiking in beetle-infested cardboard from India. It typically preys on woodboring and tobacco beetles, which make their homes in everything from shipping materials, furniture, and kitchen cupboards. Parasitic wasps like this one are known to infest sofas and other furniture, particularly second-hand furniture, for this buffet of beetles. This is also where they typically encounter and sting unsuspecting humans.

The Lahaina couple identified the primary source of stings from a recently purchased, second-hand couch- the same location Tudor-Long collected the wasp. Although different treatments are available, the couple opted to dispose of their couch and rid their home of this uninvited guest.

Although cases like this stinging, flightless parasitic wasp may not be common, it is a good example of how pests arrive in Hawaii. On average, one new species arrives in the Hawaiian Islands every three days, usually as an accidental hitchhiker. Although they may not become invasive or established in the wild, reporting unusual and different-looking species right away helps officials respond and identify new potential threats. If you see a strange new plant, insect, or animal, or get stung by a suspect ant, report it to www.643pest.org.

Serena Fukushima is the Public Relations and Education Specialist for the Maui Invasive Species Committee. She holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and a graduate degree in education from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. “Kiaʻi Moku, Guarding the Island” is written by the Maui Invasive Species Committee to provide information on protecting the island from invasive plants and animals that threaten our islands’ environment, economy and quality of life.

This article was originally published in the Maui News on June 12, 2021 as part of the Kia‘i Moku Column from the Maui Invasive Species Committee.

Protecting Māmaki From Invasive Species

Posted on May 28, 2021 by Serena Fukushima

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 species of Hawaiian tree snails. Māmaki is also an important food source for the endangered ʻalalā (Hawaiian crow).

A member of the nettle family (Urticaceae), māmaki lacks the stinging hairs of its continental cousins. Māmaki tea is revered as a general health tonic and has become a popular local product. Traditionally, Hawaiians have many uses for māmaki. The wood is used to make clubs and kapa beaters (iʻe kuku), and the inner bark is beaten to make a fine quality kapa. The fruits, seeds, leaves, and bark are used medicinally during pregnancy, for healing sores and wounds, as a mild laxative, and more.

Māmaki is important to a variety of native species such as the udea moth, happy-faced spider, Hawaiian tree snails, ʻalalā (Hawaiian crow), and Hawai’i’s state insect, the Kamehameha butterfly. Humans also use it for cultural, medicinal, and commercial purposes. Photo by Rick Barboza.

Māmakiʻs importance to native animals and Hawaiian culture is undeniable, so when a host of invasive species targeting it began to appear, conservationists, cultural practitioners, and community members sounded the alarm. You can help. Here are three invasive species that are threatening māmaki:

Ramie Moth
Originally discovered in 2018 in Olowalu Valley, the ramie moth’s presence on Maui (and now Hawaiʻi Island) represent the first record of this species in the United States. The larvae can grow up to ten centimeters in length are a vibrant yellow and black with bright orange-red spots, a black head, and thin white hairs. They may be seen feeding on a māmaki plant next to the larvae of the native Kamehameha butterfly, which do not have bright red spots on their side and possess thick, short spines on their bodies as opposed to the thin, long white hair of ramie moth larvae. Unlike the Kamehameha butterfly larvae, ramie moth larvae are aggressive, and if threatened, will rear up their head, thrash around, and even hiss and spit. If left unmanaged, ramie moth larvae will completely strip māmaki leaves, leaving only the thick veins of the plant behind. Ramie moths and their larvae have been observed in forests, residential areas, and are now being observed in commercial māmaki farms.

Māmaki Rust
Māmaki rust (Pucciniastrum boehmeriae) was first discovered on Hawaiʻi Island in 2013. The rust attacks māmaki and other members of the Urticaceae family by causing the leaves to drop early. Since the initial discovery, surveys at nurseries and botanical gardens throughout the state found no other cases, however, the rust is widespread in the Waiʻanae mountains and especially affects ōpuhe, another member of the native nettle family. At this time, māmaki rust has not been found on Maui and cases should be reported if encountered.

Polyphagous Shothole Borer
This tiny beetle is a little more than half the length of a grain of rice and has a reciprocol relationship with a fungus that it carries on its body. The polyphagous shot hole borer, or PSHB, damages māmaki by boring tunnels into the plant’s bark to farm its fungus food source. Although known to frequent over 30 other plant species, in Hawaiʻi, PSHB seems to prefer māmaki and ōpuhe, both members of the nettle family. Although little is still known about this beetle, it seems to prefer mamaki that are injured, reducing the plants chance of recovery by attacking it. Only documented on Hawaiʻi Island and Oʻahu, PSHB are difficult to spot and capture, but can be detected by the sawdust like frass it leaves at the base of the tree or the tubes outside of its tunnels. They sometimes come out of their tunnels in the afternoon and, if spotted, should be quickly captured for identification.

Report these invasive pests to www.643pest.org if you spot them on māmaki! (L-R) Ramie moth larvae (Photo:HDOA), māmaki rust on an endemic ōpuhe in the Waiʻanae mountains (Photo: K.Magnacca), and polyphagous shot hole borer (Photo: K.Magnacca).

With the eyes and ears of our community, we can all protect Hawaiʻi from invasive species. Kilo (observe) the māmaki plants you frequent, whether they are in your backyard or along a favorite hiking trail, and report any suspicious pests to www.643pest.org.

Serena Fukushima is the Public Relations and Education Specialist for the Maui Invasive Species Committee. She holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and a graduate degree in education from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. “Kiaʻi Moku, Guarding the Island” is written by the Maui Invasive Species Committee to provide information on protecting the island from invasive plants and animals that threaten our islands’ environment, economy and quality of life.

This article was originally published in the Maui News on May 8, 2021 as part of the Kia‘i Moku Column from the Maui Invasive Species Committee.

Be like Bob: The Importance of Reporting Something Out of Place

The Case of the Stinging Hitchhiker

Protecting Māmaki From Invasive Species

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