Kauaʻi record · KCA-IA-00125
Stinging Nettle Caterpillar
Oxyplax pallivitta
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About Stinging Nettle Caterpillar
Stinging Nettle Caterpillar (Oxyplax pallivitta) belongs to Limacodidae in the order Lepidoptera. Its recorded origin status is introduced — invasive.
Natural history and identification
The nettle caterpillar is a limacodid moth with a stinging larval stage. Hawaiian biological-control research documents Aroplectrus dimerus as an external parasitoid of its caterpillars. Adult moths and the defensive feeding larvae have very different appearances. This species should not be confused with harmless caterpillars solely because they feed on the same plant.
Kauaʻi occurrence and evidence
Atlas occurrence category: Present. The Kauaʻi record is classified as “Present”. Its cited evidence source is Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council. Current accepted name is Oxyplax pallivitta; many Hawaiʻi sources use the synonym Darna pallivitta. Widespread on the main Hawaiian Islands and not under a current eradication program.
Account coverage
Published species details have been added. A complete Kauaʻi-specific account of identification, habitat, feeding, reproduction, and population trend is not yet established by the sources linked here.
Names and classification
- Scientific name
- Oxyplax pallivitta
- Common names
- Stinging Nettle Caterpillar
- Family
- Limacodidae
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Record type
- species
Kauaʻi occurrence and status
- Kauaʻi occurrence
- Present
- Origin
- Introduced — invasive
- Conservation status
- Hawaiʻi pest for control
Process and seasonal context
- Seasonal description
- Stinging nettle caterpillar (Oxyplax pallivitta, formerly Darna pallivitta) is an invasive moth larva found across the main Hawaiian Islands. Its venomous spines cause painful stings, and the caterpillars damage ornamental and agricultural plants.