Scientific name: Manduca blackburni

Classification: Phylum: Arthropoda. Class: Insecta. Family: Sphingidae.

Origin: Endemic.

Status: Endangered.

Distribution: Arid lowlands of Kaho`olawe, Maui, and the Big Island.

Map: --

Blackburn's Sphinx Moth is Hawaii's largest endemic insect with a wingspan of up to 5 inches (12 centimeters). Once found on six of the Hawaiian Islands, it is now restricted to just the southernmost three: Kaho`olawe, Maui, and the Big Island. The caterpillars of the moth feed on the native `aiea trees (leaves, stems, flowers, and buds) although they are also found on nonnative plants such as tree tobacco, commercial tobacco, and tomato.