Uresiphita polygonalis virescens (Butler) (Lepidoptera: Pyraloidea: Crambidae)

The aposematically-colored larva of this species feeds on the leaves of mamane trees (Fabaceae: Sophora chrysophylla).
Occassionally, gregarious feeding (top photo) results in defoliation of the tree. I have collected larvae on the island of Hawaii
between 600-1200 m (2000-4000 ft), and on Kauai at ~ 1100 m. Adults readily come to UV lights, and range in color from
greenish to redish. However, although mamane grows abundantly from 1200 to 2900 m, neither larvae nor moths seem to
reside at these upper elevations.

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