Kamehameha Butterfly (Vanessa tameamea)

The Kamehameha butterfly (Nymphalidae: Vanessa tameamea) is one of Hawaii's two native butterflies (Udara blackburni (Lycaenidae), koa butterfly, being the other). The Kamehameha butterfly caterpillars feed on Pipturus and other native nettles. The adults can often be foound feeding at sap fluxes on koa trees. The above chrysalis is actually a painted lady (Vanessa cardui).

Photographs by Pete Oboyski, 2000. Images may be used for scientific and educational purposes without permission.