Ramie Moth Found in Puna

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

Now found in Puna:

HDOA Plant Pest Control Branch has a pest alert for the ramie moth, which is a new pest of mamaki plants and their relatives. The ramie moth has been found on Maui and the Big Island in native forests and on plants at residences. On the Big Island, it has been reported from one small grower (for mamaki tea) in Puna.

Forwarding this alert statewide, particular attention to the mamaki growers.

Michelle Au (UH Manoa) is studying this new pest in the field and would appreciate if any sightings on Maui and the Big Island can be reported to her so that she can do her research. She is copied here, and her email is: aumi@hawaii.edu.

http://hawaiineotropica.com/emailupload/...educed.pdf

[eightfingers2.0]

I’ve seen those giant moths around here, never knew what they were called. They’ll sure startle you.

[Or1on]

There is another giant moth that lays eggs in rolled up banana leaves.  It's been here for decades.  I've heard it called, "the banana skipper" It's so big it can be mistaken for a small bat.  I'm hoping that's one you've noticed and not the Ramie moth Eightfingers.  Hoping the new invasive isn't that prevalent yet.

[eightfingers2.0]

Hope so too. I haven’t seen one for months, but if I can catch one, I will.