
I took the top photo for Becky’s Squares, but never got round to posting it. I love the leaves and was pleased to spot a stink bug on one of them. Yes, it’s visible in the photo, but here’s a closer look below.

Update: Karen at https://over50travel.blog/ has identified the bug as Coleotichus blackburniae, otherwise known as the Koa bug or the Koa shield bug. It’s a Hawaii endemic and the first I’ve seen.





















I live in a pretty green area of the Big Island, but I always enjoy a visit to the much wetter east side. The extra rain allows the tropical foliage to run amok. Trees and shrubs compete for space and light, and vines run everywhere – along the ground and up tree trunks. It’s a riot of many shades of green and leaves of every size, from tiny ground covers to giant bananas to the distinctive leaves of a monstera deliciosa surrounding its flower (below).