Hawaiian Butterflies

Since 2000 three new species of butterfly have established in Hawaii. None of them are pests, but they do reflect the constant arrival of other, often pestiferous, insects which become serious problems in the State. Every year, more invasive insects arrive causing damage to both agriculture and Native Hawaiian forest ecosystems.

Click on each butterfly for more information.

Mating pair of the endemic Hawaiian butterfly, Blackburn's Blue (Udara blackburni).
Taken on Oahu in January by Jim Snyder.
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A selection of charismatic Native Hawaiian Insects Hyles calida (Sphingidae) Aumakua omaomao (Noctuidae) One of the most beautiful Hyposmcoma moths, H. auropurpurea is only found in Oahu's Waianae Mountains. For more images of Native Hawaiian insects please see our digitized collection material on the SCAN Database