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If you see this priority pest fill out the online report form, go to a walk-in reporting location, or call in your sighting.
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Nettle caterpillar eating a Ti tree (Cordyline fruticosa) leaf
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The caterpillar's spiny hairs sting on contact
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Damage done while feeding on coconut (Cocos nucifera) fronds
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Identification:
The nettle caterpillar is not currently known to be in Maui County, but has been found in plant nurseries on the Big Island and has been intercepted in Maui in plant shipments from other islands. This caterpillar is a larval form of an Asian moth. This caterpillar grows up to 25 mm (1 in) and is covered in rows of poisonous spines. The coloration is variable, ranging from white to light grey, with a dark stripe running down the length it back. The nettle caterpillar has been found on many plants, including palms, coconuts, ti, dracaena, starfruit, coffee, and honohono grass.
Download the CTAHR Darna pallivitta pest alert  for more detailed identification information.
Characteristics:
More information about this pest
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Stinging nettle catterpillar look-alikes:
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Nymphalid butterflys (Family: Nymphalidae):
Some of the caterpillars from the Nymphalidae family also are covered in spines, though non-stinging. Butterflys in this family include Kamehameha butterfly (Vanessa tameame), painted lady (Vanessa cardui), red admiral (Vanessa atalanta), American lady (Vanessa virginiensis), and California tortoiseshell (Nymphalis californica).
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Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)
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Download this Stinging nettle catterpillar priority pest identification flyer  and share with your neighbors, friends, and family. Help keep Maui County free from new pests!
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