Endemic Insects of Mauna Kea
On Monday, June 27, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the Lyman Museum, UH-Hilo graduate student in entomology, Jessica Kirkpatrick, describes the five endemic insect groups at home on this majestic mountain, and how they function within its ecosystem. Her current research focuses on the wēkiu bug, a carnivorous scavenger that sucks the blood of dead and dying insects on the summit.
Hawai‘i is home to more than 6,000 described insect species—a remarkable number that may have resulted from a mere 250 separate introductions to the Islands. Mauna Kea’s insect diversity is unique, and in the sub-alpine environment many insect species are found only on certain native plants, providing important services that benefit the ecosystem.
The nationally accredited and Smithsonian-affiliated Lyman Museum showcases the natural and cultural history of Hawai‘i. Located in historic downtown Hilo at 276 Haili Street, the Museum is open Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Admission to this program is free to Museum members, $3 for nonmembers. Space is limited; first come, first seated.
For additional information, call (808) 935-5021 or visit www.lymanmuseum.org.
