Identification: The stinging nettle caterpillar is the 1” larval form of an Asian moth. It is covered with rows of poisonous spines. The coloration is variable, ranging from white to light grey, with a dark stripe running down the length of the back.
Impacts: This caterpillar produces a painful sting filled with a burning, itching sensation and may cause an allergic reaction. The skin will swell and create a welt that may last for days followed by a persistent rash that may last for weeks. In the nursery industry, stinging nettle caterpillars feed upon and damage crops.
Dispersal Mechanism: Stinging nettle caterpillars are often distributed through cargo and nursery shipments. Originally from Southeast Asia, stinging nettle caterpillars were first found on the Big Island in 2001. They continue to have a large presence on the Big Island and are now known from several locations on Maui. The nettle caterpillar can be found on over 30 plant species including palms, pasture and ornamental grasses, weeds and foliage plants.

Download the CTAHR Darna pallivitta pest alert  for more detailed identification information.

Stinging nettle caterpillar look-alikes:

Nymphalid butterflies (Family: Nymphalidae):
Some of the caterpillars from the Nymphalidae family also are covered in spines, though non-stinging. Butterflies in this family include Kamehameha butterfly (Vanessa tameame), painted lady (Vanessa cardui), red admiral (Vanessa atalanta), American lady (Vanessa virginiensis), and California tortoiseshell (Nymphalis californica).