The iridescent koa bug (Coleotichus blackburniae), also known as the “stinkless stink bug,” is Hawai‘i’s largest endemic true bug. Found only on endemic koa and ʻaʻaliʻi trees, the koa bug is threatened by an parasitic fly introduced to control similar looking agricultural pest stink bugs.
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park (HVNP) is one of the only places on earth you can experience the rare beauty of the koa-‘ohi‘a forest. Native birds and insects found nowhere else forage in these majestic trees. The park provides a refuge for many native plant and animal species on a comeback from the brink of extinction. Nearly one-third of all the endangered plant species listed in Hawai‘i occur in koa forests. The protection and perpetuation of Hawai‘i’s unique biological heritage depends on removing non-native species and planting natives. Be a part of the recovery. Help rebuild the forest.
Donate:
http://fhvnp.org/shop/forest-donation/
Learn more:
http://hbs.bishopmuseum.org/good-bad/koabug.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coleotichus_blackburniae
http://www.hawaii.edu/malamalama/2009/10/koa-bug/