Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 1012772

Kamehameha Butterfly
Vanessa tameamea

Observation date: September 08, 2014
Submitted by: plex1ppus
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: Saw this butterfly very clearly both dorsally and ventrally: rosy red dorsal unlike other "ladies". A large Vanessid, tending to flutter over vegetation as if looking to oviposit. There also appeared to be several others rapidly in flight at a distance. Sorry about the lousy photo. If you can't use it to confirm this sighting, please at least keep the location in mind. The area is beautiful, no longer quite pristine, however, due to incursions of non-native ginger and lantana.
Status: Resident
Verified by: jmgesell
Verified date: April 04, 2022
Coordinator notes: Nice find! One of only two native species to the Hawaiian Islands. -jmgesell
Checklist region(s): United States, Hawaii, Kauai County