The Ramie moth is an invasive moth that has been recently found on October 22nd 2024 on O’ahu in the Ewa Forest Reserve (Poamoho section). In its caterpillar form, this insect threatens some of Hawaiʻi’s endemic plants such as Māmaki and other endemic nettles. It feeds on the leaves of Māmaki heavily, defoliating them. Our endemic Kamehameha butterfly relies on Māmaki for survival, so now our native butterfly is competing with the Ramie moth for resources.
“In November 2018, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DLNR-DOFAW) staff discovered unknown caterpillars (larvae) defoliating māmaki in the back of Olowalu, in the West Maui Mountains. Within a week, the same caterpillars were found feeding on māmaki plants in the Olinda Rare Plant Facility in East Maui. This was first detection of the ramie moth in Hawaiʻi and the United States.” (HDOA) In of November 2020, this pest spread to Hawaiʻi Island. October 2024 marks the first sighting of this pest for Oʻahu.
If found anywhere in the islands, please report this species to 643pest.org or call 808-643-7378 (643-PEST). If sighted, location, number of eggs/caterpillars found, and numbers of māmaki trees around/surveyed would be great information to include. Please take a few photos if possible. Caterpillars & eggs can be collected alive and brought to UH Mānoa. Please email [email protected] for details on where to drop off live specimens and to contact if found.
For more information please refer to HISC’s updated page on Ramie moth: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/hisc/ramie-moth/
We appreciate the public’s vigilance, as always!