Wekiu, E Homau I Ke Ola

Author:

Ziegler, Marjorie

Title:

Wekiu, E Homau I Ke Ola

Periodical:

Environment Hawaii

Year:

2003

Volume:

14

Pages:

4-5

Subject:

Mauna Kea Wekiu bug

Summary:

Mauna Kea is home to the Wekiu bug, the only place in the world where this species can be found. Discovered in 1979, this insect is a member of the aeolian alpine lava natural community, lives in spaces between cinders and other tephra that is located at the 11000 foot elevation, preys on dead insects and birds that are blown up to the mountain from lower elevations, and uses snow to its advantage by feeding on organic matter that is kept fresh or immobilized by the cold. Antifreeze properties in the wekiu blood allow it to inhabit this harsh alpine zone. However, it is believed that constant human traffic that is associated with astronomy-related activities, tourism, and recreation may threaten the wekiu and other native vertebrate that exists on Mauna Kea.

Label:

Insects - Wekiu

Date:

2003, August

Collection:

Periodicals