Hawaiian Insect Rediscovery Sparks Hope for Endangered Species
The Blackburn’s sphinx moth and the Hawaiian damselfly, two endangered insect species, have been rediscovered on Hawaiian islands where they were previously thought to be extinct. The Department of Land and Natural Resources' Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) staff found new populations of these species on Lana‘i, Moloka‘i, and Hawai‘i Island. The Blackburn’s sphinx moth, once widespread across the Hawaiian Islands, was believed extinct in the late 1970s but was rediscovered in 1984 on East Maui. Recent sightings in Lana‘i City and Moloka‘i suggest a sustained population. Similarly, the Hawaiian damselfly was spotted on Hawai‘i Island for the first time since 1923. These discoveries are significant as they indicate potential recovery for these species, which have been declining due to habitat loss and competition with non-native species. 
