NEW INVASIVE CATERPILLAR IDENTIFIED

COURTESY UH-HILO ENTOMOLOGIST ARNOLD HARA
The stinging nettle caterpillar was identified yesterday as an
invasive species by the state Department of Agriculture. It has
established itself at the Panaewa nursery and has been found
mainly on the underside of rhapis palm leaves. The caterpillar
is about 1 inch long, with bristly spines that may cause a
burning sensation when touched. Surveys of nearby
nurseries found no other caterpillars. Below, the adult
moth flies at night and hides under leaves during the day.