About Kamehameha Butterfly
Hawaii's state insect, a beautiful orange-and-black butterfly endemic to the islands. It is one of only two butterfly species native to Hawaii.
Did You Know?
It was designated Hawaii's state insect in 2009 and is named after the Hawaiian royal dynasty.
How to Identify Kamehameha Butterfly
Kamehameha Butterfly (Vanessa tameamea) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Nymphalidae. Adults typically measure 60-70 mm wingspan.
Kamehameha Butterfly Habitat
Kamehameha Butterfly is found in forests habitats, particularly across Hawaii. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Kamehameha Butterfly Diet and Feeding
Kamehameha Butterfly feeds on plant sap by piercing stems and leaves with specialised mouthparts. Sap feeders extract nutrients directly from the plant's vascular system.
Where Is Kamehameha Butterfly Found?
Kamehameha Butterfly can be found in Hawaii, where it inhabits forests environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Kamehameha Butterfly can be found
Is Kamehameha Butterfly Dangerous?
Kamehameha Butterfly is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Kamehameha Butterfly Role in Nature
Kamehameha Butterfly is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Kamehameha Butterfly
What does Kamehameha Butterfly look like?
The Kamehameha Butterfly typically measures 60-70 mm wingspan.
Where is Kamehameha Butterfly found?
The Kamehameha Butterfly is found in Hawaii and typically inhabits forests environments.
What does Kamehameha Butterfly eat?
The Kamehameha Butterfly feeds on plant sap by piercing stems and leaves.
Is Kamehameha Butterfly dangerous to humans?
The Kamehameha Butterfly is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
Is Kamehameha Butterfly endangered?
The Kamehameha Butterfly is currently classified as Not Evaluated by conservation assessments. Habitat loss and environmental changes are among the primary threats to its population.
What is an interesting fact about Kamehameha Butterfly?
It was designated Hawaii's state insect in 2009 and is named after the Hawaiian royal dynasty.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Kamehameha Butterfly (Vanessa tameamea). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/kamehameha-butterfly
MLA:
"Kamehameha Butterfly." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/kamehameha-butterfly.