Two Hawaiian damselflies on Molokai
The comment period to list two species of Hawaiian damselflies as endangered will end Monday, December 21.
There is still time to learn more about the flying earwig Hawaiian damselfly and the Pacific Hawaiian damselfly before the comment period ends. Both are unique insects not found anywhere else in the world.
The Pacific Hawaiian damselfly was historically found on all of the main Hawaiian Islands except Kaho‘olawe and Ni‘ihau. Found at elevations below 2,000 feet, this species breeds predominantly in standing water such as marshes, ponds and pools along stream channels. The species has disappeared from at least 18 known localities throughout the islands and is completely gone from the islands of Kauai, Oahu and Lanai. Currently, the Pacific Hawaiian damselfly is found only in 22 locations on the islands of Molokai and Maui, and a single location on the island of Hawaii.
The primary threats to the Pacific Hawaiian damselfly are habitat loss and modification by agriculture and urban development, stream alterations, and nonnative plants; natural catastrophes such as hurricanes, drought and landslides; and predation by nonnative species such as fish, insects, and bullfrogs.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service welcomes all comments regarding the proposed rule but is especially interested in those pertaining to biological, commercial trade or other relevant data concerning any threats to this species; additional information concerning the range, distribution, and population sizes of these two species, including the locations of any additional populations; and current or planned activities in the areas occupied by the species and possible impacts on these species.
For more information online go to www.fws.gov/pacificislands or call Loyal Mehrhoff, Field Supervisor, Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office, at 792-9400.
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