Hawaii's Elusive Moth Rediscovered After Decades of Presumed Extinction

A rare and endangered moth species in Hawaii has been rediscovered after decades of presumed extinction. The Blackburn's Sphinx Moth, also known as a giant Hawaiian moth, was thought to be extinct since the 1970s. However, recent field surveys have found evidence of its survival on islands where it was believed to have vanished.

On Lānaʻi Island, wildlife crews identified 10 Blackburn's Sphinx Moth caterpillars in May 2026. This is only the third recorded sighting on the island since 2009 and confirms that there is a viable population of the moth on Lānaʻi.

The discovery also extends to Molokaʻi Island, where the same crews found Blackburn's Sphinx Moth caterpillars in Halawa Valley and Kalae. These sightings are the first recorded instances of the species being found on Molokaʻi since the 1940s, suggesting that it may have remained present but undiscovered.

State wildlife officials consider these discoveries as surprising yet exciting, providing valuable insight into the conservation efforts for Hawaii's fragile ecosystems.