Endemic Insects of Mauna Kea

Photo courtesy of Jessica Kirkpatrick

June 27, 2016, 7:00-8:30 p.m.  Endemic Insects of Mauna Kea. 

The extreme diversity of Hawai‘i’s native insects—more than 6,000 described species—is all the more remarkable when we consider that this vast number may have derived from a mere 250 separate introductions to the Hawaiian Islands.  Mauna Kea’s insect diversity is unique, and in the sub-alpine environment many insect species are found only on certain native plants, providing important services that benefit the ecosystem.

Tonight, UH-Hilo graduate student in entomology, Jessica Kirkpatrick, reveals the five endemic insect groups encountered on this majestic mountain, describing their importance and function in the singular Mauna Kea ecosystem.  She also reviews some of her current research on the wēkiu bug, a carnivorous scavenger that sucks the blood of dead and dying insects on the summit!

Free to Lyman Museum members; $3 nonmembers.  Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for evening public programs.  Limited seating; first come, first seated.   Additional parking next door at Hilo Union School. (Click here to see map of additional parking)