Researchers are asking for the public’s assistance in preventing the spread of an invasive insect destroying grasses in West Hawaii. The Two-Lined Spittle Bug (TLSB) was discovered in Kona late 2016, when a rancher in upper-elevation Hualalai first reported widespread die-off of pastures. Initial surveys found nearly 2000 acres were already affected. If you see… Read More…
In August 2019, a resident from Puna submitted logs to the state Department of Agriculture office in Hilo. Those logs were the remains of a moringa tree, another victim to the voracious appetite of an Acalolepta aesthetica, which has come to be known locally as the Queensland Longhorn Beetle (QLB). On that morning, HDOA entomologist… Read More…
Click here for Beetle Reporting Form. If you are not sure if your beetle is a QLB, you can email a pic to biisc@hawaii.edu for identification. April 2020 Update. If you find a beetle: QLB have so far NOT been found outside of known infestation zone (roughly Hilo-Pahoa-Mountain View) in East Hawaii. If you find… Read More…
We are committed to protecting our island and all of our wonderful community from the impacts of invasive species as much as we can, and right now, it looks like that includes the viral kind! In aligning with current recommendations, we are taking these steps to limit social interaction and prevent the spread of Covid19:… Read More…
Per Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Feb 2020, the avocado lace bug has been reported on Hawaii Island. If you note anything suspicious, please take clear photos from various angles that you can use to begin communications with DOA folks. Possible infestations on Kauai, Maui, Molokai, or Lanai should be reported to HDOA’s Plant Pest Control… Read More…
The Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC) is a project of the University of Hawaii Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit. The Committee is a voluntary partnership of government, private and non-profit organizations, and concerned individuals working to address invasive species issues on the island of Hawaii.
