Ailanthus defoliator moth

An Ailanthus defoliator moth in Hawaii
An Ailanthus defoliator moth in Hawaii

I saw this moth (Eligma narcissus) resting on a piece of pipe and knew it was something I hadn’t seen before. A name like that suggests trouble, but I’m not sure how much. I couldn’t find much online, and nothing about its presence in Hawaii.

It’s a native of tropical Asia, and some subtropical spots in that part of the world. Its larvae feed on Ailanthus species as well as Canarium species. And that’s about all I know!

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