Chrysodeixis eriosoma, also known as the green garden looper, is a bit of a pest, though it’s the caterpillar, rather than the moth that is the problem. It has spread far and wide, and was first noted in Hawaii back in 1877. This one was on a native Milo flower.
Graham's Island 
A great shot, but it doesn’t look friendly.
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I won’t tell it you said that!
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the moth is rather lovely, shame its previous life is problematic
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Caterpillars can be voracious!
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So true – watched one devour a young tree over a couple of days this summer
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that’s a good macro Graham. Thanks for the info too. Caterpillars can do a lot of temporary damage to plants. They mostly bounce back. The resulting moth or butterfly is worth it though
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Plants are quite resilient. Goats stripped every leaf off a Mau plant at Lapakahi, but they put a fence around it and it looks fabulous now!
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Sometimes a good pruning is the best thing
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Rather pretty
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Yes, it was.
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The most beautiful pests often cause the most damage. Some compensation. I never kill my messy beautiful hummingbird moth caterpillars, but just move them to some area where they don’t poop on my terrace table!!!
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You have to draw the line somewhere!
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I know. I feel guilty when I spread poison for the leafcutter ants, but they can decimate my garden in days if I don’t…
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