A recovery plan that identifies recovery actions for the endangered Blackburns sphinx moth was released today by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Since introduced animal and plant species are the primary threats to this endangered insect, the recovery plan focuses on actions that will protect and restore its remaining habitat and control non-native species to ensure the long-term survival of this moth species.
To prevent the extinction of this moth and ultimately recover the species within its historic range, the Service recommends fencing some of the existing host plant populations to prevent trampling and uprooting by non-native hoofed animals such as pigs, goats and deer; controlling encroachment of non-native plants; preventing and or minimizing the influx of non-native insects and weed plants that invade its host plant habitat areas; and propagation and planting of moths larval host plants. Details outlining needed research as well as long-term monitoring for the moth are included within the recovery plan.
Some recovery actions, such as seed collection for propagation and cultivation of the host plants, fencing, hoofed-animal removal, and invasive weed management are already underway within some of the habitat areas identified for recovery in the plan.
The Blackburns sphinx moth is Hawaiis largest native insect, with a wing span of up to 5 inches. Considered to be extinct as recently as the late 1970s, Blackburns sphinx moths were rediscovered on East Maui in 1984. Subsequently, sightings have occurred on Maui, Hawaii, and Kahoolawe. Although no population estimates are available, the East Maui and Kahoolawe populations appear to be the largest. The moth was once also found on Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, and Hawaii.
Today, Blackburns sphinx moths are distributed in what appear to be two core populations and four subpopulations. At least 70 percent of the moths historic range has been significantly altered and is no longer available to the species. Much of the historical decline of Blackburns sphinx moth can be attributed to habitat loss, especially at low elevations. More recent threats to the moth include introduced ants and parasitic wasps that prey on the moths eggs and caterpillars, and the continued loss of its native host plants, which are dryland forest trees and certain flowering plants.
Blackburns sphinx moth is a member of the family Sphingidae. It is grayish brown with black bands across the top margins of the hind wings and five orange spots along each side of the abdomen. The moths native host plants - dry and mesic forest trees for the caterpillar life-stage and certain nectar-supplying, flowering plants for the adult life-stage - are in decline due to past and present land management practices, including land conversion for agriculture. Non-native plants and animals and urban development also have taken a toll on this species and its habitat.
Availability of the recovery plan was announced in the Federal Register on September 28, 2005. The recovery plan is available online through the Fish and Wildlife Services website at http://pacificislands.fws.gov. Paper copies of the recovery plan - available within 4 weeks - may be requested by calling the Fish and Wildlife Services Honolulu office at 808 792 9400. The plan can also be viewed at the Hawaii State Library 478 S. King Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813.
