About Lana'i Sandalwood Moth
A critically endangered moth discovered in 2026, known only from a small grove of roughly 30 sandalwood trees on the island of Lanai. Its larvae mine sandalwood leaves.
Did You Know?
This moth is known from just one grove of 30 trees — if those sandalwood trees disappear, this entire species vanishes with them.
How to Identify Lana'i Sandalwood Moth
Lana'i Sandalwood Moth (Iliahia pahulu) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Gracillariidae. Adults typically measure 5-8 mm wingspan.
Lana'i Sandalwood Moth Habitat
Lana'i Sandalwood Moth is found in deserts & drylands habitats, particularly across Oceania. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Lana'i Sandalwood Moth Diet and Feeding
Lana'i Sandalwood Moth is a herbivore, feeding on plant material including leaves, stems, flowers, and other vegetation. Herbivorous insects play a significant role in ecosystems by influencing plant growth and serving as a food source for predators.
Where Is Lana'i Sandalwood Moth Found?
Lana'i Sandalwood Moth can be found in Oceania, where it inhabits deserts & drylands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Lana'i Sandalwood Moth can be found
Is Lana'i Sandalwood Moth Dangerous?
Lana'i Sandalwood Moth 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.
Lana'i Sandalwood Moth Role in Nature
Lana'i Sandalwood Moth 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 Lana'i Sandalwood Moth
What does Lana'i Sandalwood Moth look like?
The Lana'i Sandalwood Moth typically measures 5-8 mm wingspan.
Where is Lana'i Sandalwood Moth found?
The Lana'i Sandalwood Moth is found in Oceania and typically inhabits deserts & drylands environments.
What does Lana'i Sandalwood Moth eat?
The Lana'i Sandalwood Moth feeds on plant material including leaves, stems, and other vegetation.
Is Lana'i Sandalwood Moth dangerous to humans?
The Lana'i Sandalwood Moth is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
Is Lana'i Sandalwood Moth endangered?
The Lana'i Sandalwood Moth is currently classified as Critically Endangered by conservation assessments. Habitat loss and environmental changes are among the primary threats to its population.
What is an interesting fact about Lana'i Sandalwood Moth?
This moth is known from just one grove of 30 trees — if those sandalwood trees disappear, this entire species vanishes with them.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Lana'i Sandalwood Moth (Iliahia pahulu). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/lanai-sandalwood-moth
MLA:
"Lana'i Sandalwood Moth." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/lanai-sandalwood-moth.