Tag Archives: Kauai

Orobophana berniceia ssp. ‘Wailua’

Wailua Orobophana Snail (Orobophana berniceia ssp.)

This supposed geographical race, or subspecies of the Limahuli Orobophana Snail (Orobophana berniceira(Pilsbry & Cooke)) is known from several shells that were found south of the Wailua River at the western coast of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands.

These shells were nearly all of equal size and in average reached sizes of about 0,27 cm in height and 0,3 cm in diameter. [1]

***

The Wailua Orobophana Snail, whatever its taxonomic status might be, is clearly extinct now.

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References:

[1] Norine W. Yeung; Kenneth A. Hayes: Biodiversity and extinction of Hawaiian land snails: how many are left now and what must we do to conserve them – a reply to. Integrative and Comparative Biology 58(6): 1157-1169. 2018

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edited: 18.05.2019

Orobophana juddii (Pilsbry & Cooke)

Judd’s Orobophana Snail (Orobophana juddii)

Judd’s Orobophana Snail was described in 1908, it is known only from subfossil remains that had been found in sand dunes on the beaches in the Koloa District in southern Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands.

The shells were semiglobose with a flattened base and a rounded periphery, they reached sizes of about 0,42 cm in height and 0,46 cm in diameter, the original colors are not preserved. [1]

Judd’s Orobophana Snail was amongst the first snail species that disappeared following the arrival of the first Polynesian settlers and especially the Polynesian Rats (Rattus exulans (Peale)) they brought with them.

***

syn. Helicina juddii Pilsbry & Cooke

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Photo from: ‘Henry A. Pilsbry; C. Montague Cooke Jr.: Hawaiian species of Helicina. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 3(2): 199-210. 1908’

(public domain)

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References:

[1] Marie C. Neal: Hawaiian Helicinidae. Bishop Museum Bulletin 125: 1-102. 1934
[2] Norine W. Yeung; Kenneth A. Hayes: Biodiversity and extinction of Hawaiian land snails: how many are left now and what must we do to conserve them – a reply to. Integrative and Comparative Biology 58(6): 1157-1169. 2018

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edited: 08.05.2019

Orobophana cookei Neal

Cooke’s Orobophana Snail (Orobophana cookei)

Cooke’s Orobophana Snail was described in 1934, it was apparently restricted to a cliff on the west side of the beautiful and often photographed Kalalau Valley on the island of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands.

The shells of this quite large species reach sizes of about 0,56 cm in height and 0,6 cm in diameter. [1]

***

Since all Kauaian helicinid snails are now thought to be extinct altogether, this species must be considered extinct too. [2]

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References:

[1] Marie C. Neal: Hawaiian Helicinidae. Bishop Museum Bulletin 125: 1-102. 1934
[2] Norine W. Yeung; Kenneth A. Hayes: Biodiversity and extinction of Hawaiian land snails: how many are left now and what must we do to conserve them – a reply to. Integrative and Comparative Biology 58(6): 1157-1169. 2018

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edited: 18.05.2019

Amastra ricei ssp. armillata Cooke

Milolii Amastra Snail (Amastra ricei ssp. armillata)

The Milolii Amastra Snail was described in 1917 based on two (sub)fossil specimens that had been collected from the Miloli’i beach at the north-western coast of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands, from deposits that might be of late Pleistocene or Early Holocene age.

This form may in fact not be different from the typical species.

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Depiction from: ‘C. Montague Cooke: Some new species of Amastra. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 3(3): 1-34. 1917’

(public domain)

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References:

[1] C. Montague Cooke: Some new species of Amastra. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 3(3): 1-34. 1917

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edited: 16.05.2022

Philonesia arenofunus H. B. Baker

Koloa Philonesia Snail (Philonesia arenofunus)

Distribution:

Hawai’i Islands: Kaua’i

local names: –

***

This species is one of several that are known from subfossil or even fossil specimens alone; in this case they were recovered from sand dunes near Aweoweonui near the south-eastern coast of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands.

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References:  

[1] H. Burrington Baker: Zonitid snails from Pacific islands – part 2: Hawaiian genera of Microcystinae. Bishop Museum Bulletin 165: 105-223. 1940

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edited: 15.07.2022

Blackburnia rugosa Liebherr & Porch

Rugose Blackburnia Ground Beetle (Blackburnia rugosa)

The Rugose Blackburnia Ground Beetle was described in 2015, it is known only from several subfossil remains that had been found in the deposits of the Makauwahi Cave on the island of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands.

The species reached a size of about 0,8 to 1,1 cm and is distinguished from its congeners by its robust sclerotization. [1]

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References:

[1] James K. Liebherr; Nick Porch: Reassembling a lost lowland carabid beetle assemblage (Coleoptera) from kauai, Hawaiian Islands. Invertebrate Systematics 29: 191-213. 2015

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edited: 03.09.2019

Rhodacanthis forfex James & Olson

Scissor-billed Koa-Finch (Rhodacanthis forfex)

The Scissor-billed Koa Finch is known only by subfossil remains, found on the islands of Kaua’i and Maui, the species clearly also occurred on the islands in between.

The species disappeared shortly after the arrival of the first human settlers on the Hawaiian Islands.

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References:

[1] Helen F. James; Storrs L. Olson: The diversity and biogeography of koa-finches (Drepanidini: Rhodacanthis), with descriptions of two new species. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 144: 527-541. 2005

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edited: 07.10.2020

Carelia olivacea ssp. olivacea Pease

Olive Carelia Snail (Carelia olivacea ssp. olivacea)

The Olive Carelia Snail was described in 1866; it was found in the eastern part of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands and seems to have once be quite widespread.

The shells reach heights of about 7 cm.

Fire and cattle have played havoc with most of the native forests along the northern side of this range and probably the original localities from which Pease obtained his material have been destroyed.” [2]

***

syn. Carelia olivacea ssp. variabilis Pease

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References:  

[1] George W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second series: Pulmonata. Vol 21: Achatinellidae (Amastrinae). 1911
[2] C. Montague Cooke Jr.: The land snail genus Carelia. Bishop Museum Bulletin 85: 1-97. 1931

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edited: 25.01.2024

Antilissus makauwahi Porch

Makauwahi Bark Beetle (Antilissus makauwahi)

The Makauwahi Bark Beetle was described in 2020 based on subfossil remains that were recovered from the deposits in the Makauwahi Cave on the island of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands.

These remains can be dated to an age of about 800 years before present. [1]

***

The only other known member of that genus, the Cylindrical Bark Beetle (Antilissus asper Sharp), is found on all of the larger Hawaiian Islands where it lives under the bark of dead or dying trees. [1]

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References:

[1] Nick Porch: A new and likely extinct species of Antilissus Sharp, 1879 (Coleoptera: Zopheridae: Colydiinae) from Makauwahi Cave, Kauai, Hawaiian Islands. Zootaxa 4868(1): 135-141. 2020

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edited: 24.10.2020

Leptachatina laevis Pease

Brown Kauaian Leptachatina Snail (Leptachatina laevis)

This species was described in 1869; it was restricted to the island of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands.

The shells reached heights of 0.9 to 0.95 cm; they were ovately oblong, imperforate, dextral, somewhat thin, smooth, glossy and dark brown colored.

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Depiction from: ‘George W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second series: Pulmonata. Vol 21: Achatinellidae (Amastrinae). 1911’   

(public domain)

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References:   

[1] George W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second series: Pulmonata. Vol 21: Achatinellidae (Amastrinae). 1911

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edited: 14.01.2024

Archaeoglenes sp. ‘Kaua’i’

Kauai Darkling Beetle (Archaeoglenes sp.)

This is another of the many beetle forms that are known only by subfossil remains, in this case found on the island of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands.

***

The genus Archaeoglenes has a very odd distribution, some species occur in the Caribbean, some on the Mascarene Islands, others again on the islands of the western Pacific.

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edited: 31.10.2020

Georissa cookei Pilsbry

Cooke’s Georissa Snail (Georissa cookei)

Cooke’s Georissa Snail was described in 1928, it is known only from the island of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands.

The shell of this microscopic species reached sizes of only about 0,085 to 0,1 cm, they were composed of three and a half strongly convex whorls and were orange-cinnamon in color. [1]

***

According to a study from 2018 all (two or three) endemic Hawaiian members of the family Hydrocenidae are now extinct. [2]

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References:

[1] Henry A. Pilsbry; C. Montangue Cooke Jr.; Marie C. Neal: Land Snails from Hawaii, Christmas Island, and Samoa. Bishop Museum Bulletin 47: 1-49. 1928
[2] Norine W. Yeung; Kenneth A. Hayes: Biodiversity and extinction of Hawaiian land snails: how many are left now and what must we do to conserve them – a reply to. Integrative and Comparative Biology 58(6): 1157-1169. 2018

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edited: 08.05.2019

Orobophana berniceia (Pilsbry & Cooke)

Limahuli Orobophana Snail (Orobophana berniceia)

The Limahuli Orobophana Snail was described in 1908, it is known only from subfossil remains that had been found near what today is the Limahuli Garden & Preserve, National Tropical Botanical Garden at the northern shore of the osland of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands.

The shells were globosly depressed, with a rounded periphery, quite thin, smooth and minutely marked with growth-striae, they reach sizes of about 0,31 cm in heigth and 0,35 cm in diameter. [2]

***

The Limahuli Orobophana Snail was amongst the first snail species that disappeared following the arrival of the first Polynesian settlers and especially the Polynesian Rats (Rattus exulans (Peale)) they brought with them.

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References:

[1] Marie C. Neal: Hawaiian Helicinidae. Bishop Museum Bulletin 125: 1-102. 1934
[2] Norine W. Yeung; Kenneth A. Hayes: Biodiversity and extinction of Hawaiian land snails: how many are left now and what must we do to conserve them – a reply to. Integrative and Comparative Biology 58(6): 1157-1169. 2018

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Photo from: ‘Henry A. Pilsbry; C. Montague Cooke Jr.: Hawaiian species of Helicina. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 3(2): 199-210. 1908’

(public domain)

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edited: 18.05.2019

Amastra nucleola (Gould)

Nut-shaped Amastra Snail (Amastra nucleola)

The Nut-shaped Amastra Snail was described in 1893, it was restricted to lowland areas around the Hanalei Bay at the northern coast of the island of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands.

The shells reach sizes of about 1 to 1,1 cm in height and 0,69 cm in diameter.

… from the original description.:

A small solid species, of a livid hue, whitish at the tip and the neighborhood of the suture, and milk-white just before the termination of the whorl at the aperture (Gld.).” [1]

***

The Nut-shaped Amastra Snail may have gone extinct already in the middle of the 19th century, since all specimens known to exist appear to have been collected dead. [1]  

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References:

[1] George W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second series: Pulmonata. Vol 21: Achatinellidae (Amastrinae). 1911

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edited: 12.03.2021

Apetasimus kauaiensis (Scott)

Kauai Sap Beetle (Apetasimus kauaiensis)

The Kauai Sap Beetle was described in 1908; it was endemic to the Waimea region on the island of Kaua’i in the Hawaiian Islands.

The species reached a length of about 0,53 cm; it was brick red colored, with the lateral margins of the elytra being dark brown. [1]

***

Like all members of its group, this species lived under the bark of decaying koa trees (Acacia koa A. Gray), a habitat that now has been overtaken by introduced terrestrial isopods, leading to the extinction of this, and many other endemic invertebrate species. [1]

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References:

[1] Curtis Ewing: Revision of the endemic Hawaiian sap beetle genus Apetasimus Sharp 1908 (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae). Zootaxa 1385: 1-30. 2006

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edited: 02.06.2021

Fringillidae gen. & sp. ‘Kaua’i’

Additional Kauai Finch (Fringillidae gen. & sp.)

This is a form of drepanidine finch that is still only insufficiently known, its very fragmenary remains were recovered from the deposits of the the Makawehi Dunes on the island of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands.

These remains consist only of the caudal part of a mandibular ramus, differing from all other Hawaiian finch species, alive or extinct.

The form is currently known only as ‘Additional Kauai Finch’, it might have been a Psittirostra sp.. [1]

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References:

[1] S. L. Olson; H. F. James: Descriptions of thirty-two new species of birds from the Hawaiian Islands: Part II. Passeriformes. Ornithological Monographs 45: 1-91. 1991

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edited: 06.11.2020

Melicope macropus (Hillebr.) T. G. Hartley & B. C. Stone

Kaholuamanu Melicope (Melicope macropus 

The Kaholuamanu Melicope was restricted to the Kaholuamanu region of Waimea on the island of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands.

The species was last recorded in 1987, 1919 and finally in 1997 and was never found since, it may be extinct. However, the region, where this species is known to have occurred, is privately owned, thus no surveys have been conducted to relacate the species, which in fact might well be still surviving. [1]

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References:

[1] Kenneth R. Wood: Survey results for eight possibly extinct plant species from Kaua’i, Hawai’i. Prepared for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, FWS Agreement No. F12AC00737. 293 pp.. 2015

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edited: 03.09.2020

Phyllostegia kahiliensis H. St. John

Kahili Phyllostegia (Phyllostegia kahiliensis)

The island of Kaua’i harbors seven Phyllostegia species, of which five are endangered to critically endangered, some of these species have populations of less then 10 individuals making them very vulnerable to the slightest disturbances like grazing by cattle etc.. [2]

***

The Kahili Phyllostegia was described in 1987, the species is known from three collections (1974, 1983, and 1987) that originally were thought to be identical with Heller’s Phyllostegia (Phyllostegia helleri Sherff), but differ from that species by their retrorsely appressed pubescence.

The species had an extremely narrow geographic range, it was restricted to steep jagged ridges and precipitous side slopes just below the summit of Mt. Kahili on the island of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands.

The Kahili Phyllostegia was declared extinct in 2014, yet there is a slight chance that it might be rediscovered someday in one of the steep ravines of Mt. Kahili. [1][2]

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References:

[1] Warren L. Wagner: Nomenclator and review of Phyllostegia (Lamiaceae). Novon 9(2): 265-279. 1999
[2] Kenneth R. Wood: Delissea rhytidosperma H. Mann (Campanulaceae) and Phyllostegia kahiliensis H. St. John (Lamiaceae) possibly extinct on Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands. Records of the Hawaii Biological Survey for 2014. Part I: Articles. Edited by Neal L. Evenhuis & Scott E. Miller. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 116: 31-33. 2015

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edited: 24.09.2019

Ciridops tenax Olson & James

Stout-legged Finch (Ciridops tenax)

This species was described in 1991 on the basis of subfossil remains that were recovered from Holocene deposits on the island of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands.

The biology of this species is not known.

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References:

[1] S. L. Olson; H. F. James: Descriptions of thirty-two new species of birds from the Hawaiian Islands: Part II. Passeriformes. Ornithological Monographs 45: 1-91. 1991

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edited: 26.08.2022

Amastra rugulosa ssp. annosa Cooke

Aged Amastra Snail (Amastra rugulosa ssp. annosa)

The Aged Amastra Snail is one of many forms of its genus that are actually known only based on (sub)fossil material; this one was found in deposits of the Hanama’ulu plains near the eastern coast of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands.

This extremely variable form is abundant in road cuttings on the coastal plain south of the Wailua river. There are several distinct forms found associated in the different deposits. The typical form described above might be considered a distinct species if it did not occur with numerous intergrades of other forms which closely approach A. rugulosa normalis. A constant differentiating character between all these specimens of annosa and normalis is the very weak, oblique, deeply situated columellar fold of the former. Some of the specimens of annosa at first glance seem to belong to the subgenus Cyclamastra but the embryonic whorls are less convex than those of any species of this subgenus.” [1]

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References:

[1] C. Montague Cooke: Some new species of Amastra. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 3(3): 1-34. 1917

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Photo from: ‘C. Montague Cooke: Some new species of Amastra. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 3(3): 1-34. 1917’

(public domain)

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edited: 04.05.2022

Blackburnia menehune Liebherr & Porch

Menehune Blackburnia Ground Beetle (Blackburnia menehune)

The Menehune Blackburnia Ground Beetle was described in 2015, it is known from several subfossil remains, mainly head capsules and elytra, that had been recovered from the deposits of the Makauwahi Cave on the island of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands. [1]

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References: 

[1] James K. Liebherr; Nick Porch: Reassembling a lost lowland carabid beetle assemblage (Coleoptera) from Kauai, Hawaiian Islands. Invertebrate Systematics 29: 191-213. 2015

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edited: 03.09.2019

Euodynerus radula (Fabricius)

Kauaian Rasp Wasp (Euodynerus radula)

This species is considered the first scientifically described insect species from the Hawaiian Islands, as the first specimen was collected on the day of Cook’s landing on the island of Kaua’i on January 21, 1778.The Kauaian Rasp Wasp did not build its own nesting tubes but instead took over existing burrows into which it introduced micro butterfly caterpillars as food for its larvae.

The species was apparently last seen in 1925 and is now very likely extinct.

***

syn. Odynerus radula (Fabricius)

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Depiction from: ‘Fauna Hawaiiensis; being the land-fauna of the Hawaiian Islands. by various authors, 1899-1913. Cambridge [Eng.]: The University Press 1913’  

(public domain)

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References:

[1] James M. Carpenter: Review of Hawaiian Vespidae (Hymenoptera). Bishop Occasional Papers 99: 1-18 2008

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edited: 11.02.2024

Carelia anceophila Cooke

Olokeke Carelia Snail (Carelia anceophila)

This species was described in 1931; it is known from at least two specimens that were found along the so-called Olokeke trail (a place that I cannot trace) on the island of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands; the specimens, when found, had only been dead for a short time.

The shells must have reached heights of up to 3.8 cm, maybe more. [1]

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References:  

[1] C. Montague Cooke Jr.: The land snail genus Carelia. Bishop Museum Bulletin 85: 1-97. 1931

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edited: 24.01.2024

Amastra ricei Cooke

Rice’s Amastra Snail (Amastra ricei)

Rice’s Amastra Snail was described in 1917, apparently based on only five recently dead specimens, it was restricted to a small part of the Miloli’i Valley near the northwestern coast of Kaua’i.

The shells reached sizes of about 2,4 cm in heigth and 1,2 to 1,3 cm in diameter.

***

The author of the species also described a variety, named as var. armillata, from the same locality, based on two dead specimens (empty shells) which may be of Pleistocene age or may just have been old surface shells.

This variety differs from the normal form in the following way …:

… the fourth and fifth whorls are slightly swollen, and the surface is more coarsely but not as closely sculptured with growth-wrinkles. The periphery is distinctly carinated on the last whorl; the carina is margined along its upper edge by a deep narrow sinus. The lower halff of the last whorl descends rather rapidly, with the carina appearing slightly above the suture. The outer margin of the aperture is distinctly modified by the carina. The upper portion being flattened, the lower evenly arched. The columellar fold is weak, thread-like, very oblique and deeply situated.” [1]

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References:

[1] C. Montague Cooke: Some new species of Amastra. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 3(3): 1-34. 1917

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Depiction from: ‘ C. Montague Cooke: Some new species of Amastra. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 3(3): 1-34. 1917’

(not in copyright)

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edited: 03.10.2020

Hylaeus finitimus (Perkins)

Kauai Masked Bee (Hylaeus finitimus)  

This species was described in 1899, it is apparently endemic to the coastal areas of the island of Kaua’i, Hawiian Islands, only female specimens are known. 

The head and mesosoma are black, the metasoma is dark reddish brown, the legs are dark brown with a pale area on the fore tibias, the wings are yellowish colored.

The species was not recorded during recent searches and might well be extinct. [1]

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References:  

[1] Howell V. Daly; Elwood Curtin Zimmerman; Karl N. Magnacca: ‘Insects of Hawaii; Volume 17; Hawaiian Hylaeus (Nesoprosopis) Bees (Hymenoptera, Apoidea). 2003

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edited: 12.06.2020

Talpanas lippa Olson & James

Mole Duck (Talpanas lippa)

The Mole Duck, or Kauai Mole Duck was described in 2009 based on subfossil remains found on the island of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands.

The species was flightless and apparently had extremely small eyes and thus might have been almost blind in life, it had a distinct wide beak which it very likely used for probing the soil for invertebrates. [1]

The Mole Dock most likely disappeared, together with countless additional species, when humans first reached the Hawaiian Islands.

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References:    

[1] A. L. Iwaniuk; S. L. Olson; H. F. James: Extraordinary cranial specialization in a new genus of extinct duck (Aves: Anseriformes) from Kauai, Hawaiian Islands. Zootaxa 2296: 47–67. 2009

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edited: 13.09.2020

Newcombia gagei Severns

Gage’s Newcombia Snail (Newcombia gagei

This species was described in 2009, it was described based on subfossil shells that were collected from the Waipoli Dune fossil deposit on the island of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands. The age of these deposit is not known but is most likely Late Pleistocene/Early Holocene.

The shells of this species reached sizes of 2,49 cm, making it one of the largest species in its genus. [1]

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References:

[1] Mike Severns: A new species of newcombia from the Pleistocene of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands, USA (Gastropoda, Pulmonata, Achatinellidae). Basteria 73: 57-60. 2009

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edited: 16.06.2020

Blackburnia micantipennis (Sharp)

Waimea Blackburnia Ground Beetle (Blackburnia micantipennis)  

The Waimea Blackburnia Ground Beetle was described in 1903, it occurred only at elevations of 600 to 1270 m on the leeward reaches of the Waimea Canyon on the island of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands. It is thought to have been a riparian species, since all localities, at which this species was found, are along the tributaries of the Waimea River.  

The last specimens of this species were apparently collected in 1935 and it is now thought to be possibly extinct. [1]  

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References: 

[1] J. K. Liebherr; E. C. Zimmerman: Insects of Hawaii: Hawaiian Carabidae (Coleoptera), Part 1: Introduction and Tribe Platynini. University of Hawaii Press 2000

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edited: 03.09.2019

Blackburnia mothra Liebherr & Porch

Mothra Blackburnia Ground Beetle (Blackburnia mothra)

This species was described in 2015, it is one of several, mostly very large ground beetle species that are known exclusively from subfossil remains found in the makauwahi Cave on the island of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands.

The Mothra Blackburnia Ground is the second-largest member of its genus, it died out shortly after the arrival of the first Polynesians on the Hawaiian Islands. [1]

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References: 

[1] James K. Liebherr; Nick Porch: Reassembling a lost lowland carabid beetle assemblage (Coleoptera) from Kauai, Hawaiian Islands. Invertebrate Systematics 29: 191-213. 2015

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edited: 03.09.2019

Blackburnia godzilla Liebherr & Porch

Godzilla Blackburnia Ground Beetle (Blackburnia godzilla)

This species was described in 2015, the species is known from several subfossil remains that had been excavated from the deposits of the Makauwahi Cave on the island of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands.

The Godzilla Blackburnia Ground Beetle is the largest species of its genus, it might have reached sizes of over 4 cm. [1]

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References: 

[1] James K. Liebherr; Nick Porch: Reassembling a lost lowland carabid beetle assemblage (Coleoptera) from Kauai, Hawaiian Islands. Invertebrate Systematics 29: 191-213. 2015

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edited: 12.02.2020

Blackburnia ovata Liebherr & Porch

Ovate Blackburnia Ground Beetle (Blackburnia ovata)

The Ovate Blackburnia Ground Beetle was described in 2015, the species is known from three subfossil pronota that had been recovered from the deposits of the Makauwahi Cave on the island of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands. [1]

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References: 

[1] James K. Liebherr; Nick Porch: Reassembling a lost lowland carabid beetle assemblage (Coleoptera) from Kauai, Hawaiian Islands. Invertebrate Systematics 29: 191-213. 2015

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edited: 03.09.2019

Carelia pilsbryi ssp. pilsbryi Sykes

Pilsbry’s Carelia Snail (Carelia pilsbryi ssp. pilsbryi 

Pilsbry’s Carelia Snail was described in 1909 based on subfossil specimens.  

E. R. Sykes, the author of this species already mentioned:  

I have only seen a single specimen of C. Pilsbryi, and the species is, I should think, an extinct one, like some others of the group.” [1]  

***

The species formerly inhabited a small area from the Kalihiwai stream to a streamlet near the eastern beach of Kalihikai at the northern shore of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands.  

The shells reached lengths of averagely up to 6,5 cm, some up to 8 cm.  

***

Pilsby’s Carelia Snail apparently inhabited lowland regions, and thus was one of the first species that felt victim to the Polynesian Rats (Rattus exulans (Peale)), which had been introduced by the Polynesian settlers.  

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References:  

[1] E. R. Sykes: Carelia pilsbry, n. sp., from the Hawaiian Islands. Proceedings of the Malacological Society of London 8: 204 1908-1909 
[2] C. Montague Cooke Jr.: The land snail genus Carelia. Bishop Museum Bulletin 85: 1-97. 1931  

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Depiction from: ‘George W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second series: Pulmonata. Vol 21: Achatinellidae (Amastrinae). 1911′

(public domain) 

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edited: 01.04.2018

Leptachatina brevicula Pease

Shortish Leptachtina Snail (Leptachatina brevicula 

The Shortish Leptachtina Snail was described in 1869, the species is known from a place named Kaholuamano at an elevation of about 1219 m on the island of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands.  

The shells reached heights of about 0,8 cm. [1]  

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References:  

[1] George W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second series: Pulmonata. Vol 21: Achatinellidae (Amastrinae). 1911  

*********************    

Depiction from: ‘George W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second series: Pulmonata. Vol 21: Achatinellidae (Amastrinae). 1911’  

(public domain)  

*********************  

edited: 31.03.2018

Carelia dolei ssp. isenbergi Cooke

Isenberg’s Carelia Snail (Carelia dolei ssp. isenbergi)

This taxon, described in 1931, inhabited the so-called Ha’ena plain, a lowland region in north-western Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands; it occupies a kind of intermediate position between Cuming’s Carelia Snail (Carelia cumingiana (Pfeiffer)) and the nominate form of Dole’s Carelia Snail and may in fact well be a hybrid form.

*********************  

References:  

[1] C. Montague Cooke Jr.: The land snail genus Carelia. Bishop Museum Bulletin 85: 1-97. 1931

*********************

edited: 25.01.2024

Leptachatina deceptor Cockerell

Deceiving Leptachatina Snail (Leptachatina deceptor)  

The Deceiving Leptachatina Snail was described in 1927.  

The species is known from subfossil specimens that were recovered from the sandy deposits at Ha’ena on the north coast of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands. [1]  

*********************  

References:  

[1] Theodore D. A. Cockerell: Two species of Leptachatina from the island of Kauai. Journal of Conchology 18(4): 117. 1927  

*********************  

edited: 31.03.2018

Wikstroemia skottsbergiana Sparre

Skottsberg’s Wikstroemia (Wikstroemia skottsbergiana)

Skottsberg’s Wikstroemia was described in 1964, it is endemic to the upper wet forests of the Lumaha’i Valley on the island of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands.

The species was apparently last seen in 2015 and its population was estimated at around 30 plants. [1]

***

Its name appears now in the IUCN Red List in the category “Possibly Extinct”, so it will be briefly mentioned here as well.

*********************

References:

[1] Kenneth R. Wood: Wikstroemia skottsbergiana (Thymelaeaceae): with notes on its habitat in upper Lumaha’i, Kaua’i, Hawai’i

*********************

edited: 26.04.2021

Carelia hyattiana Pilsbry

Hyatt’s Carelia Snail (Carelia hyattiana)

This form is apparently known from only 11 specimens that all seem to be in a subfossil stage.

This species is based upon a fossil shell which was associated with C. dolei in the collection, and which evidently came from the same formation. It differs from C. dolei in wanting an angle or carina at the shoulder at all stages of growth. On the last whorl there is an obtuse but quite appreciable basal angle, which, with its shorter aperture, serves to differentiate this species from C. pilsbry Sykes.” [1]

*********************

Depiction from: ‘George W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second series: Pulmonata. Vol 21: Achatinellidae (Amastrinae). 1911’  

(public domain)  

*********************  

References:  

[1] George W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second series: Pulmonata. Vol 21: Achatinellidae (Amastrinae). 1911
[2] C. Montague Cooke Jr.: The land snail genus Carelia. Bishop Museum Bulletin 85: 1-97. 1931

*********************

edited: 25.01.2024

Carelia paradoxa ssp. paradoxa (Pfeiffer)

Paradox Carelia Snail (Carelia paradoxa ssp. paradoxa 

The nominate of this species was described based on fresh, empty shells and subfossil ones, all other races are known from subfossil specimens alone.  

The shells reached lengths of up to 4,5 cm, they are distinctly and closely granulate, blackish brown, the spire is long and forms an acute cone above.  

The species inhabited the near-shore lowlands at the base of the Kalepa Mountains on the southern side of the Wailua river, where it met with a relict population of the Dead Carelia Snail (Carelia necra Newcomb) and formed a hybrid population that was originally described as a distinct subspecies (Carelia paradoxa ssp. thaanumi Cooke).  

This hybrid form was characterized by its embryonic whorl that was similar to that of C. paradoxa, while its adult whorls where identical to those of C. necra. [2]  

*********************  

References:  

[1] C. Montague Cooke Jr.: The land snail genus Carelia. Bishop Museum Bulletin 85: 1-97. 1931 [2] Elwood Zimmerman: Insects of Hawaii 1, Introduction. University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu 1947  

*********************

Depiction from: ‘George W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second series: Pulmonata. Vol 21: Achatinellidae (Amastrinae). 1911′

(public domain) 

*********************  

edited: 01.04.2018

Leptachatina tenebrosa Pease

Dark Leptachatina Snail (Leptachatina tenebrosa 

The Dark Leptachatina Snail, described in 1869, was endemic to the island of Kaua’I, where it was found at several localities in the Waimea Canyon area, for example Halemanu, Kaholuamano, and Pu’u Ka Pele.  

The shells of this species reached an average height of about 1,2 cm.  

*********************    

Depiction from: ‘George W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second series: Pulmonata. Vol 21: Achatinellidae (Amastrinae). 1911’ 

(public domain) 

********************* 

edited: 31.03.2018

Leptachatina antiqua Pease

Antique Leptachatina Snail (Leptachatina antiqua)  

The Antique Leptachatina Snail was described in 1870, it was already extinct at that date as the author mentions in the description.:  

The shell is subfossil, oblong subcylindrical, solid scarcely rimate, longitudinally faintly striate; whorls 7, flatly convex, narrowly margined at the suture; spire somewhat obtuse; aperture oblong oval; columella obliquely truncate; columellar fold obsolete. Length 9.0, diam. 3,5 mm.” [1]  

***

The species was apparently a inhabitant of lowland areas and thus disappeared directly after the arrival of the first Polynesian settlers.  

*********************  

References:  

[1] W. Harper Pease: Observations sur les espèces de Coquilles terrestres qui habitent l’île de Kauai (îles Hawaii), accompagnées de descriptions d’espèces nouvelles. Journal de conchyliologie. 3e série. tome Xe. Vol. 18: 87-97. 1970  

*********************    

Depiction from: ‘George W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second series: Pulmonata. Vol 21: Achatinellidae (Amastrinae). 1911’  

(public domain) 

*********************  

edited: 31.03.2018

Wikstroemia hanalei Wawra

Hanalei Wikstroemia (Wikstroemia hanalei)  

The Hanalei Wikstroemia was endemic to the island of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands, where it apparently was restricted to the Hanalei-, the Ho’olulu-, the Molo’a-, and the Wai’oli Valleys in the northern part of the island.  

The species appears to be known only from the type that was collected in 1897, it was not subsequently found again and is considered extinct.  

*********************  

edited: 05.04.2018

Blackburnia burneyi Liebherr & Porch

Burney’s Blackburnia Ground Beetle (Blackburnia burneyi)

Burney’s Blackburnia Ground Beetle was described in 2015, it is known only from subfossil elytra that had been recovered from sediments from the Makauwahi Cave on the island of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands.

The species is thought to have been macropterous.

Burney’s Blackburnia Ground Beetle apparently was a lowland species and thus was among the first invertebrates to be wiped out by the Pacific Rats (Rattus exulans (Peale)) that had been introduced to the islands by the first Polynesian settlers. [1]

********************* 

References: 

[1] James K. Liebherr; Nick Porch: Reassembling a lost lowland carabid beetle assemblage (Coleoptera) from Kauai, Hawaiian Islands. Invertebrate Systematics 29: 191-213. 2015

*********************

edited: 03.09.2019

Leptachatina acuminata (Gould)

Sharpened Leptachatina Snail (Leptachatina acuminata 

The Sharpened Leptachatina Snail from the island of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands, was described in 1848, it is the type of its genus and appears to be known only from a single broken shell.  

The species seems to be entirely distinct from any other species, and does not seem to have been rediscovered since the original material was collected.” [1]  

***

The single known shell reaches a height of about 1,25 cm. [1] 

*********************  

References:  

[1] George W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second series: Pulmonata. Vol 21: Achatinellidae (Amastrinae). 1911  

*********************    

Depiction from: ‘George W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second series: Pulmonata. Vol 21: Achatinellidae (Amastrinae). 1911’  

(public domain) 

*********************  

edited: 31.03.2018

Cyanea linearifolia Rock

Linear-leaved Cyanea (Cyanea linearifolia)  

The Linear-leaved Cyanea is known only from the type collection collected in the Wahi’awa Mountains on the island of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands, as well as three additional collections which lack any data.  

The species is thus considered extinct.  

However, the species was thought to have been rediscovered in 1991 in northern Kaua’i, but these plants turned out to represent a new species and were named as Kuhihewa Cyanea (Cyanea kuhihewa Lammers). [1]  

The Linear-leaved Cyanea is still considered extinct.  

*********************  

References:  

[1] Thomas G. Lammers: A new linear-leaved Cyanea (Campanulaceae: Lobelioideae) from Kaua’i, and the “rediscovery” of Cyanea linearifolia. Brittonia 48(2): 237-240. 1996  

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edited: 03.04.2018

Leptachatina knudseni Cooke

Knudsen’s Leptachatina Snail (Leptachatina knudseni)

This species, described in 1911; was restricted to an area near the Halemanu Stream and the Waipo’o Falls in the western part of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands; it was found under ferns and among rotten leaves and was considered to be rather uncommon.

The shells reached heights of 0,6 cm and were corneous in color with a slight yellow tinge.

The species is now extinct like most of its congeners.

*********************

Depiction from: ‘George W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second series: Pulmonata. Vol 21: Achatinellidae (Amastrinae). 1911’   

(public domain)

*********************   

References:   

[1] George W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second series: Pulmonata. Vol 21: Achatinellidae (Amastrinae). 1911

*********************

edited: 14.01.2024

Carelia bicolor (Jay) 

Two-colored Carelia Snail (Carelia bicolor)

The Two-colored Carelia Snail was described in 1839; the species was restricted to an area in the Hanakāpī’ai Valley in the northern north-west of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands.

The shells of this species reach heights of nearly 4 cm; they are quite variably colored and patterned; some of the color forms were originally described as distinct varieties or subspecies.

The species disappeared sometimes after the 1930s.

***

syn. Carelia bicolor ssp. adusta Gould, Carelia bicolor ssp. fuliginea Pfeiffer, Carelia bicolor ssp. hyperleuca Pilsbry

*********************

Depiction from: ‘George W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second series: Pulmonata. Vol 21: Achatinellidae (Amastrinae). 1911’  

(public domain)  

*********************  

References:  

[1] George W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second series: Pulmonata. Vol 21: Achatinellidae (Amastrinae). 1911
[2] C. Montague Cooke Jr.: The land snail genus Carelia. Bishop Museum Bulletin 85: 1-97. 1931

*********************

edited: 24.01.2024

Amastra kauaiensis (Newcomb)

Kauai Amastra Snail (Amastra kauaiensis)

The Kauai Amastra Snail was described in 1860, as its name implies it was endemic to the island of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands.

The shells reached sizes of about 2,3 cm

***

The American conchologist William Harper Pease, who collected the species, gives a brief description of the life animal.: 

The animal is very small in comparison with the size and thickness of the shell, a little larger than the diameter of the latter, and excessively narrow. It drags the heavy shell balanced on its back. When it crawl the head is stretched out as far as possible, the tow ends of the body solidly fixed, until the middle part contracts and draws the shell forward.

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Depiction from: ‘George W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second series: Pulmonata. Vol 21: Achatinellidae (Amastrinae). 1911′  

(public domain)

*********************

edited: 15.06.2020

Leptachatina fossilis Cooke in Hyatt & Pilsbry

Fossil Leptachatina Snail (Leptachatina fossilis)  

As its name implies, the Fossil Leptachatina Snail from the island of Kaua’I, Hawaiian Islands was already extinct when it was described in 1911.:  

The shell is umbilicate, conically ovate, white (in a fossil state) ….” [1]  

***

The shell was very small, reaching a height of only about 0,7 cm.  The Fossil Leptachatina Snail very likely was among the first snail species to disappear after the arrival of men.  

*********************  

References:  

[1] George W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second series: Pulmonata. Vol 21: Achatinellidae (Amastrinae). 1911  

*********************    

Depiction from: ‘George W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second series: Pulmonata. Vol 21: Achatinellidae (Amastrinae). 1911’ 

(public domain)

*********************  

edited: 31.03.2018

Hemignathus upupirostris James & Olson

Hoopoe-billed Akialoa (Hemignathus upupirostris)  

The Hoppoe-billed Akialoa, so named for the structure of its beak, is known only on the basis of well-preserved subfossil remains that were found on the islands of Kaua’i and O’ahu, and which can apparently be assigned to one and the same species.  

The morphology of the beak shows that the bird had a quite short tongue, in contrast to the other historically known akialoa forms, which all had their tongues about as long as their beaks., thus the Hoopoe-billed Akialoa is thought to have had a somewhat distinct, possibly in some way specialized feeding behavior. [1][2]  

***

Subfossil remains of this, or a closely related form, are now known from other islands of the Hawaiian chain as well.  

*********************  

References:  

[1] S. L. Olson; H. F. James: Descriptions of thirty-two new species of birds from the Hawaiian Islands: Part II. Passeriformes. Ornithological Monographs 45: 1-91. 1991 
[2] H. D. Pratt: The Hawaiian Honeycreepers: Drepanidinae. Oxford Univ. Pr. 2005  

*********************  

edited: 21.09.2017

Carelia cumingiana ssp. cumingiana (Pfeiffer)

Cuming’s Carelia Snail (Carelia cumingiana ssp. cumingiana)

Cuming’s Carelia Snail was described in 1855; the exact origin of this form is not known, but it is believed that it came from the Lumaha’i valley near the northern coast of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands.

The shells of this form reach heights of 3.7 to 4.8 cm.

… the original forest which was probably occupied by this species was destroyed by fire or cattle many years ago. Since most of the species of Carelia occupy rather restricted colonies, I feel certain that the typical form of this species must be considered extinct. From the close similarity of the specimens, I feel sure that all came from a restricted colony and that at the time they were collected they were fairly abundant.” [2]

*********************

Depiction from: ‘George W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second series: Pulmonata. Vol 21: Achatinellidae (Amastrinae). 1911’  

(public domain)  

*********************  

References:  

[1] George W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second series: Pulmonata. Vol 21: Achatinellidae (Amastrinae). 1911
[2] C. Montague Cooke Jr.: The land snail genus Carelia. Bishop Museum Bulletin 85: 1-97. 1931

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edited: 24.01.2024

Carelia olivacea ssp. baldwini Cooke

Baldwin’s Olive Carelia Snail (Carelia olivacea ssp. baldwini)

Baldwin’s Olive Carelia Snail was described in 1931; it inhabited an unknown region in northern Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands. 

The original series of this species consists of two very closely agreeing specimens. One of these was undoubtedly alive when collected, while the other had been dead but a short time.” [1]

At first glance this subspecies appears to eb more closely allied to C. cochlea than to C. olivacea. Its size, outlines, short columella, and proportionately small aperture certainly show a strong resemblance to the former species. In the form and surface texture of its embryonic whorls and in the texture of the surface of its last two whorls, it proves to be more closely allied to C. olivacea. It may represent a hybrid form between these two very distinct species or, less probably a very aberrant type of olivacea.” [1]

*********************  

References:  

[1] C. Montague Cooke Jr.: The land snail genus Carelia. Bishop Museum Bulletin 85: 1-97. 1931

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edited: 25.01.2024

Agrotis crinigera (Butler)

Poko Cutworm (Agrotis crinigera)  

The Poko Cutworm, so named for its native name Poko, was one of the moth species, that in the time after the arrival of European settlers on the Hawai’i Islands were able to adapt quite well to the new set of circumstances.  

The species reached a wingspan of about 4,9 cm.  

The natural host plants of the caterpillars were several native species of Ihi (Portulaca spp.) as well as ‘Ilima (Sida fallax Walp.), but in the meantime they also adapted themselves to introduced plant species and fed on the leaves of thorn-apple plants (Datura spp.) and sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum L.). Furthermore they fed on several garden plants, especially of the legume family, e.g. beans, and therefore may not have been very welcome to gardens.  

In 1899, Hugo H. Schauinsland wrote the following notes about his observations of this species on the island of Laysan.:

Of the insects I found on Laysan, only the following … Spaelotis crinigera Butl.; the latter occurred in astonishingly hugh numbers. Its “grublike caterpillar” lives under ground on the roots of Eragrostis.” [2]

***

Even though the Poko Cutworm was distributed all over the Hawaiian main islands, it belongs to the extirpated species now, whereas the reasons for this seem still to be unknown up to date.  

The species was last seen in 1926.  

*********************  

References:  

[1] E. C. Zimmerman: Insects of Hawaii 7, Macrolepidoptera. University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu 1958  
[2] Hugo H. Schauinsland: Three months on a coral island (Laysan); translated by Miklos D. F. Udvardy. Atoll Research Bulletin 432. 1996

*********************    

Depiction from: ‘George F. Hampson: Catalogue of the Lepidoptera Phalaenae in the British Museum. London: Printed by Order of the Trustees 1898-1919’ 

(public domain) 

*********************  

edited: 24.09.2019

Amastra rugulosa ssp. rugulosa Pease

Rugulose Amastra Snail (Amastra rugulosa ssp. rugulosa)  

This species was described in 1870.  

The Rugulose Amastra Snail was endemic to the Kawaihau and Lihue Districts in eastern Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands.  

***

The species may be split into five subspecies, which are or are not valid, these are.:  

Amastra rugulosa ssp. annosa Cooke 
Amastra rugulosa ssp. fastigata Cooke 
Amastra rugulosa ssp. janeae Cooke 
Amastra rugulosa ssp. normalis Cooke 
Amastra rugulosa ssp. rugulosa Pease 

***

The species, which was quite abundant in former times, appears to have declined already in pre-European times. [1]  

*********************  

References:  

[1] David A. Burney; Helen F. James; Lida Pigott Burney; Storrs L. Olson; William Kikuchi; Warren L. Wagner; Mara Burney; Deirdre McCloskey; Delores Kikuchi, Frederick V. Grady, Reginald Gage II; Robert Nishek: Fossil evidence for a diverse biota from Kaua’i and its transformation since human arrival. Ecological Monographs 7(14): 615-641. 2001  

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Photo: Phil Liff-Grieff
http://www.inaturalist.org/people/pliffgrieff

(under creative commons license (4.0))
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0


********************* 

edited: 20.04.2019

Amastra juddii Cooke

Judd’s Amastra Snail (Amastra juddii)

 

Judd’s Amastra Snail was described in 1917; it was endemic to the island of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands.

The shells reached sizes of about 1,15 cm in height.

This species is represented by the single type specimen in the collection of the Bishop Museum and two or three additional specimens in the Judd collection. It is entirely unlike any other species of Cyclamastra from Kauai. Its nearest relative appears to be A. umbilicata from Oahu. From this species it is most easily distinguished by its flatter whorls, greater proportional width, and broad aperture.” [1]

*********************

References:

[1] C. Montague Cooke: Some new species of Amastra. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 3(3): 1-34. 1917

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Photo from: ‘C. Montague Cooke: Some new species of Amastra. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 3(3): 1-34. 1917’

(public domain)

*********************

edited: 04.05.2022

Sanicula kauaiensis H. St. John

Kauai Snakeroot (Sanicula kauaiensis) 

This species was restricted to the Kalalau Valley in the Wai’ale’ale Mountains on the island of Kaua’i in the Hawaiian Islands.

This species is known from only two collections and is now considered extinct.

***

The photo below shows the closely related Hawaiian Snakeroot (Sanicula sandwicensis A. Gray) from the island of Maui.

*********************

Hawaiian Snakeroot (Sanicula sandwicensis) 

Photo: Kim Starr & Forest Starr; by courtesy of Kim Starr & Forest Starr  
http://www.starrenvironmental.com

*********************

edited: 04.06.2021

Zapornia sp. ‘Kaua’i’ 1

Large Kauai Crake (Zapornia sp.)  

This rail form is known only from the subfossil distal end of a left femur, that was recovered from the Makawehi Dunes on the island of Kaua’i.  

This single part of a bone does not fall within the size range of any of the known rail species known from Kaua’i, but, of course, is to fragmentary to describe the species properly. [1]

*********************

References:

[1] [1] Storrs L. Olson & Helen F. James: Descriptions of thirty-two new species of birds from the Hawaiian Islands: Part I. Non-Passeriformes. In: Ornithological Monographs 45. 1991

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edited: 18.05.2019

Branta sp. ‘Kaua’i’

Medium Kauai Nene (Branta sp.)
The Medium Kauai Nene is known only from the subfossil remains of one individual that were recovered from the deposits of the Makawehi Dunes on the island of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands.

This form was more robust than the likewise extinct form known from O’ahu. [1]

*********************

References:

[1] S. L. Olson; H. F. James: Descriptions of thirty-two new species of birds from the Hawaiian Islands: Part I. Non-Passeriformes. Ornithological Monographs 45: 1-91. 1991

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edited: 05.05.2022

Schiedea amplexicaulis H. Mann

Niihau Schiedea (Schiedea amplexicaulis)

This species is known from only two collections that were made at an unknown place on the island of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands as well as probably on the nearby island of Ni’ihau.

The species is now thought to be extinct.

*********************

Photo: David Eickhoff 
http://nativeplants.hawaii.edu

(under creative commons license (2.0)) 
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0

*********************

edited: 09.02.2020

Cookeconcha paucicostata (Pease)

Small-ribbed Cookeconcha Snail (Cookeconcha paucicostata)  

The Small-ribbed Cookeconcha Snail was described in 1870, it is known fom a single specimen that originally was labelled as originating from the Marquesas.

The shell has a size of about 0,3 cm in diameter. [1]

*********************  

References:  

[1] Alan Solem: Endodontoid land snails from Pacific Islands (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Sigmurethra). Part I, Family Endodontidae. Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 1976  

*********************  

edited: 13.06.2020

Carelia lymani Cooke

Lyman’s Carelia Snail (Carelia lymani)  

This species was described in 1931 based on a single [?] subfossil specimen.  

The species was certainly endemic to the island of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands, as most of its other congeners; the exact location, however, is not known, the specimen was found in a private collection in a tray together with specimens of Pilsbry’s Carelia Snail (Carelia pilsbryi Sykes).  

The single known shell is about 4,5 cm high. [1]  

*********************  

References:  

[1] C. Montague Cooke Jr.: The land snail genus Carelia. Bishop Museum Bulletin 85: 1-97. 1931  

*********************  

edited: 21.10.2017

Tetramolopium consanguineum ssp. consanguineum (A. Gray) Hillebr.

Forest Pamakani (Tetramolopium consanguineum ssp. consanguineum)

The Forest Pamakani is a rather tall, upright growing shrub that may reach hegths of up to 2 m. [1]

***

The nominate race of the species is thought to have been found on the island of Kaua’i, the northernmost island of the Hawaiian main island chain, this taxon, however, is known exclusively from a single collection and the exact locality has never been recorded. 

The only other subspecies (Tetramolopium consanguineum ssp. leptophyllum (Sherff) Lowrey) is endemic to the island of Hawai’i, the species does not occur on any of the islands between Hawai’i and Kaua’i, making the record from Kaua’i very questionable.

The nominate race was never recorded since the type collection and is now considered extinct. [1]

*********************

References:

[1] Timothy K. Lowrey: A biosystematic revision of Hawaiian Tetramolopium (Compositae: Astereae). Allertonia 4: 325-339. 1986

*********************

Depiction from: ‘E. Drake del Castillo: Illustrationes florae insularum Maris Pacifici. Parisiis: G. Masson 1886’

(public domain)

*********************

edited: 15.01.2019

Carelia turricula (Mighels)

Towered Carelia Snail (Carelia turricula)  

This species was described in 1845.  

The Towered Carelia Snail was endemic to the island of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands, where it was restricted to a small area around the Hanalei Bay on the northern shore of the island.  

The species was last found in 1953, however, only empty shells were found at that date.  

***

The Towered Carelia Snail was the largest species of its genus and the largest of all land snails of the Hawaiian Islands. Its shells reached sizes of up to 8,5 cm, they were bright yellow to dark chestnut, with the base being darker, nearly chocolate brown.  

There is also a form, named as Carelia turricula var. newcombi Pfeiffer, whose shells are chestnut-colored with a pale-yellow belt below the peripheral angle and a black base. It is in fact most likely just a color morph. Another form, named as Carelia turricula var obeliscus Reeve, differs somewhat in the sculpture of the shell, it is also not accepted as being distinct.  

*********************

Depiction from: ‘George W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second series: Pulmonata. Vol 21: Achatinellidae (Amastrinae). 1911′  

(public domain) 


*********************

edited: 21.10.2017

Cyanea kolekoleensis (H. St. John) Lammers

Wahiawa Cyanea (Cyanea kolekoleensis)  

The Wahiawa Cyanea was endemic to the island of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands, where it was restricted to the Wahiawa Mountains in the southern part of the island.  

The last specimens of the species, found in a gulch to the northeast of Hulua Peak in 1996, were monitored by biologists – unfortunately without any success.  

The Wahiawa Cyanea is now considered extinct. [1]  

*********************  

References:  

[1] Kenneth R. Wood: Possible Extinctions, Rediscoveries, and New Plant Records within the Hawaiian Islands. Records of the Hawaii Biological Survey for 2011. Edited by Neal L. Evenhuis & Lucius G. Eldredge. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 113: 91-102. 2012  

*********************  

edited: 23.03.2018

Carelia tenebrosa Cooke

Gloomy Carelia Snail (Carelia tenebrosa)

The Gloomy Carelia Snail was described in 1931; it inhabited the slopes of Mt. Ha’upu near the northern coast of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands.

The species was still alive when described but probably already on the brink of extinction.: 

Carelia. Conditions damp. Very scarce and difficult to find alive. Well concealed under mass of dead leaves and rubbish.” [1]

*********************  

References:  

[1] C. Montague Cooke Jr.: The land snail genus Carelia. Bishop Museum Bulletin 85: 1-97. 1931

*********************

edited: 25.01.2024

Cyanea habenata (H. St. John) Lammers

Stream Bed Cyanea (Cyanea habenata)  

The Stream Bed Cyanea was described based on the type specimen which was collected in 1978 at the Limahuli Valley on Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands.  

The species was never found again since and is considered possibly extinct.  

*********************  

edited: 18.04.2019

Amastra cyclostoma Baldwin

Circle-mouthed Amastra Snail (Amastra cyclostoma)  

This species was described in 1895 when it was already restricted to a tiny relict population inhabiting an area of only about 10 m².  

Charles M. Cooke Jr., an American malacologist who described many endemic Hawaiian gastropod taxa, wrote at 11. April 1899.:  

… It has been found in only one place, under a few orange trees. A circle with radius of six feet [ca. 1,8 m] would enclose the whole space in which they have been found.”  

***

The Circle-mouthed Amastra Snail was endemic to the coastal regions of Kaumakani [formerly known as Makaweli] at the southwestern coast of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands.  

The species’ author made some remarks concerning the animal in life.:  

Animal when extended in motion .95 inches [ca. 2,4 cm] in length; posterior portion of foot tapering and very short, front portion long; head elongated, ocular and labial tentacles widely separated. Mantle dingy-white with streaks of black. Foot very light brown, superior portion and sides thickly studded with regular, dark brown granulations. Tentacles long, dark brown.”  

The shell reached a size of about 1,68 cm.  

*********************  

References:  

[1] David A. Burney; Helen F. James; Lida Pigott Burney; Storrs L. Olson; William Kikuchi; Warren L. Wagner; Mara Burney; Deirdre McCloskey; Delores Kikuchi, Frederick V. Grady, Reginald Gage II; Robert Nishek: Fossil evidence for a diverse biota from Kaua’i and its transformation since human arrival. Ecological Monographs 7(14): 615-641. 2001  

*********************

Depiction from: ‘George W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second series: Pulmonata. Vol 21: Achatinellidae (Amastrinae). 1911′  

(public domain)

********************* 

edited: 30.09.2017

Hypena senicula (Meyrick)

Kaholuamano Owlet Moth (Hypena senicula)  

The Kaholuamano Owlet Moth was described in 1928, the species was found at a place named Kaholuamano on the island of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands.  

The moth reached a wingspan of about 4 cm.  

The species was originally thought to be a color morph of the Obsolete Owlet Moth (Hypena obsoleta Butler), but differs from that species by its larger wingspan. [1]  

*********************  

References:  

[1] E. C. Zimmerman: Insects of Hawaii 7, Macrolepidoptera. University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu 1958  

*********************  

edited: 31.03.2018

Endodonta binaria (Pfeiffer)

Binary Disc Snail (Endodonta binaria)  

The Binary Disc Snail, which was described in 1856, was endemic to the island of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands.  The shells on average reached a size of 0,43 cm in diameter. [1]  

***

This species is now most likely extinct, like nearly all of its congeners. [2]  

*********************  

References:  

[1] Alan Solem: Endodontoid land snails from Pacific Islands (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Sigmurethra). Part I, Family Endodontidae. Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 1976 
[2] Norine W. Yeung; Kenneth A. Hayes: Update on the status of the remaining Hawaiian land snail species Part 4: Punctidae and Endodontidae. 2016  

*********************   

Depiction from: ‘G. W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second Series: Pulmonata Vol. 3, Helicidae Vol. 1. 1887’

(not in copyright)  

*********************  

edited: 23.03.2017

Cyrtandra olona Forbes

Olona Cyrtandra (Cyrtandra olona)

The Olona Cyrtandra was described in 1922, the species is known from only a single specimen that had been collected in 1909 somewhere in the Wahiawa Mountains on the island of Kaua’, Hawaiian Islands.

The species reached a height of 60 cm, the stem was unbranched and completely glabrous, the opposite leaves reached lengths of 15 to 16 cm and a wide of about 12 cm, they were broadly ovate, obtusely rounded at the apizes and truncate at the bases, their margins were crenate except for the bases. They were very dark green above and paler below.

The Olona Cyrtandra was named for the fact that it superficially resembled another endemic Hawaiian plant from the nettle family, the olona (Touchardia latifolia Gaudich.) [1]

*********************

References:

[1] Charles N. Forbes: New Hawaiian plants. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 7: 31-39. 1922

*********************

Photo from: ‘ Charles N. Forbes: New Hawaiian plants. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 7: 31-39. 1922’

(public domain)

*********************

edited: 10.09.2019

Phyllostegia knudsenii Hillebr.

Knudsen’s Phyllostegia (Phyllostegia knudsenii)

Knudsen’s Phyllostegia, also known as Waimea Phyllostegia, was described in 1888, the species was known only from the type that had been collected in Waimea at the southwestern coast of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands. [1]

The species was rediscovered in 1995 in the Koai’e Canyon, yet this population appears to have subsequently disappeared as well. 

*********************

References:

[1] Warren L. Wagner: Nomenclator and review of Phyllostegia (Lamiaceae). Novon 9(2): 265-279. 1999

*********************

edited: 24.09.2019

Chloridops sp. ‚Kaua‘i‘

Kaua’i Grosbeak (Chloridops sp.)  

This species is known only from several subfossil remains that were recovered from the Makawehi Dunes on the island of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands.  

The Kauai Grosbeak obviously was quite similar to the Wahi Grosbeak (Chloridops wahi James & Olson) from the island of O’ahu, but differed from that species by a broader lingual through in its mandible. [1]  

*********************  

References:  

[1] S. L. Olson; H. F. James: Descriptions of thirty-two new species of birds from the Hawaiian Islands: Part II. Passeriformes. Ornithological Monographs 45: 1-91. 1991  

*********************  

edited: 24.09.2017

Endodonta laminata (Pease)

Laminated Disc Snail (Endodonta laminata)  

This species was described in 1866, it was restricted to an area that reached from Kahiliwai to Haena on the northern coast of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands.  

The Laminated Disc Snail was a quite large species, its shells reached an average size of about 0,6 to 0,65 cm in diameter. [1]  

***

The species was not seen since the beginning of the 20th century and is very certainly extinct. [2]  

*********************  

References:  

[1] Alan Solem: Endodontoid land snails from Pacific Islands (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Sigmurethra). Part I, Family Endodontidae. Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 1976 
[2] Norine W. Yeung; Kenneth A. Hayes: Update on the status of the remaining Hawaiian land snail species Part 4: Punctidae and Endodontidae. 2016  

*********************  

edited: 23.03.2017

Drosophila musaphilia Hardy

Kauai Koa Picturewing Fly (Drosophila musaphilia)

The Kauai Koa Picturewing Fly is, or maybe was, endemic to the island of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands, it was last seen in 1988 and might now be extinct.

There is, however, a slight chance that this species inhabits areas on Kaua’i that haven’t been properly observed yet.

*********************

edited: 23.04.2022

Hemignathus hanapepe (Wilson)

Kauai Nukupuu (Hemignathus hanapepe)  

The Kauai Nukupuu, often still treated as a subspecies of the Oahu Nukupuu (Hemignathus lucidusLichtenstein), was restricted to the island of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands.  

The species reached a size of about 15 cm, it was sexually dimorphic with the males having the head and underparts bright yellow, while the females were more or less completely olive-green [see depiction].  

***

In pre-human times, the Kauai Nukupuu occurred all over the island, including the lowland areas. The first Polynesian settlers deforested nearly all the lowland areas and converted them into agriculture land, thus destroying the habitat of most endemic lowland birds. Many of these birds disappeared completely, some managed to survive in areas at higher altitudes. Thus, the Kauai Nukupuu was restricted to higher elevations when it was discovered and described by western scientists.  

The last confirmed sightings were made sometimes in the 1890s, however, the species had certainly survived for about 100 years longer.  

The last remaining members of this species found their last refuge in the Alaka’i swamp area – together with some other last survivors, but they disappeared when mosquitos, carrying introduced deadly bird diseases, finally entered this remote area sometimes in the 1960s.  

*********************  

References:  

[1] Dieter Luther: Die ausgestorbenen Vögel der Welt. Westarp Wissenschaften 1986 
[2] H. Douglas Pratt, Phillip L. Bruner, Delwyn G. Berrett: A Field Guide to the Birds of Hawaii and the Tropical Pacific. Princeton University Press 1987 
[3] Errol Fuller: Extinct Birds. Penguin Books (England) 1987 [4] H. Douglass Pratt: The Hawaiian Honeycreepers: Drepanidinae. Oxford Univ. Pr. 2005  

*********************

Depiction from: ‘W. Rothschild: The Avifauna of Laysan and the neighbouring islands with a complete history to date of the birds of the Hawaiian possession. 1893-1900’    

(public domain)

*********************

edited: 05.04.2018

Catinella rubida (Pease)

Red Catinella Snail (Catinella rubida 

The Red Catinella Snail, which is the type species of its genus, was described in 1870.  

The species is, or rather was restricted to swampy forest areas at Wahiawa in the southern part of the island of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands, where it was found at elevations of about 600 m.  

The Red Catinella Snail was one of the semi-slug-like members of the Succineidae, its shells was typically flattened with the last whorl being extremely enlarged, and the life animal very likely could not pull its body fully into it.  

***  

There have been intensive field surveys in the early 2000s with the intention to find this and other succeinid species, however, without any results. [1]  

*********************  

References:  

[1] Brenden S. Holland; Robert H. Cowie: Land snail models in island biogeography: A tale of two snails. American Malacological Bulletin 27: 59-68.2009  

*********************

Photo from: ‘R. I. Johnson: Types of shelled Indo-Pacific mollusks described by W. H. Pease. Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard College 154: 1-61. 1994’

(under creative commons license (3.0)) 
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0

*********************  

edited: 29.05.2019

Carelia mirabilis Cooke

Wonderful Carelia Snail (Carelia mirabilis)

The Wonderful Carelia Snail was described in 1931 on the basis of 17 subfossil specimens, of which only a single one, apparently a juvenile one, was at least nearly complete; they were recovered from a limestone cliff near the Maha’ulepu beach in the south-east of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands.

The shells must have reached heights of about 4.5 to 4.8 cm. [1]

This species, being restricted to the lowland, very likely disappeared shortly after the arrival of the first Polynesian settlers.

*********************  

References:  

[1] C. Montague Cooke Jr.: The land snail genus Carelia. Bishop Museum Bulletin 85: 1-97. 1931

*********************

edited: 24.01.2024

Grallistrix auceps (Olson & James)

Kauai Stilt-Owl (Grallistrix auceps)  

The Kaua’i Stilt-Owl is one of four species of the so-called stilt-owls, that were formerly endemic to the Hawaiian Islands.  

These owl species had elongated legs and may have had a rather terrestrial lifestyle, their wings were somewhat abbreviated, but they were still able to fly.  

In prehistoric times (before the arrival of the first Polynesians) the stilt-owls were the main predators of smaller bird species on the Hawaiian Islands – in fact most of the now extinct Hawaiian bird species are known from bones that were extracted from subfossil owl pellets found at ancient owl roosting sites.  

The stilt-owls were probably ground-breeding birds, as it is indicated by several subfossil findings, thus, their eggs were perhaps an easy meal for the Pacific Rats (Rattus exulans (Peale)), that had been introduced by the first Polynesian settlers.  

***

All species, including the Kauai Stilt-Owl, are known from subfossil bones alone.  

********************  

References:  

[1] Storrs L. Olson & Helen F. James: Descriptions of thirty-two new species of birds from the Hawaiian Islands: Part I. Non-Passeriformes. In: Ornithological Monographs 45. 1991

********************

edited: 17.10.2020

Telespiza persecutrix James & Olson

Kauai Finch (Telespiza persecutrix)  

The Kauai Finch was described based on subfossil remains which were collected from deposits on the islands of Kaua’i and O’ahu in the Hawaiian Islands. 

This extinct species shared its habitat with the two still surviving species of the genus, the Laysan Finch (Telespiza cantans (Wilson)) (see photo) and the Nihoa Finch (Telespiza ultima (Bryan)). [1]

***

The Laysan Finch today is restricted to the island of Laysan in the far northwest of the Hawaiian Islands chain but was far more widespread in prehistorical times as is proven by finds of subfossil remains on the islands of Moloka’ and O’ahu, the same applies to the Nihoa Finch, which today only survives on the tiny island of Nihoa, but whose subfossil remains were also recovered from the island of Moloka’i. 

*********************  

References:  

[1] S. L. Olson; H. F. James: Descriptions of thirty-two new species of birds from the Hawaiian Islands: Part II. Passeriformes. Ornithological Monographs 45: 1-91. 1991  

*********************

Laysan Finch (Telespiza cantans)  

Photo: Kim Starr & Forest Starr; by courtesy of Kim Starr & Forest Starr  

http://www.starrenvironmental.com

*********************

edited: 17.06.2020

Zapornia sp. ‘Kaua’i’ 2

Medium Kauai Crake (Zapornia sp.)

The Medium Kauai Crake is and undescribed species known from few bones that were recovered from the dunes at Makawehi in the south of the island of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands.

The species may have been about the size of the Hawaiian Crake (Zapornia sandwichensis (Gmelin)), perhaps slightly larger.

*********************

References:

[1] [1] Storrs L. Olson & Helen F. James: Descriptions of thirty-two new species of birds from the Hawaiian Islands: Part I. Non-Passeriformes. In: Ornithological Monographs 45. 1991

*********************

edited: 18.05.2019

Agrotis tephrias Meyrick

Kauai Cutworm (Agrotis tephrias)  

This species inhabited the islands of Kaua’i and Maui, but very probably occurred on the other main islands as well. The form from Maui was originally described as a distinct species (Agrotis spoderopa Meyrick).  

The Kauai Cutworm reached a wingspan of about 4 cm. [1]  

*********************  

References:  

[1] E. C. Zimmerman: Insects of Hawaii 7, Macrolepidoptera. University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu 1958  

*********************

Depiction from: ‘George F. Hampson: Catalogue of the Lepidoptera Phalaenae in the British Museum. London: Printed by Order of the Trustees 1898-1919’  

(public domain)  

*********************

edited: 07.04.2018

Orsonwelles torosus (Simon)

Waimea Sheat Weaver (Orsonwelles torosus)  

The Waimea Sheat Weaver is known from only a single, female specimen which was collected by R. C. L. Perkins, a famous British entomologist who is best known for its work on the invertebrate fauna of the Hawai’i Islands in the late 19th century.

This sole specimen is labeled only with the locality name of ‘Waimea’, a name that can be found on several of the Hawaiian Islands, however, it is quite possible that it refers to the Waimea area on the island of Kaua’i.

The Waimea Sheat Weaver has never been found again since and is now considered very likely extinct.  

***

Specimens from the neighboring islands of Hawai’i, Maui, Moloka’i, and O’ahu, that once were assigned to this species, were subsequently identified as and described as distinct species. 

*********************  

References:  

[1] Gustavo Hormiga: Orsonwelles, a new genus of giant linyphiid spiders (Araneae) from the Hawaiian Islands. Invertebrate Systematics 16. 369-448. 2002  

*********************  

Depiction from: ‘Fauna Hawaiiensis; being the Land-Fauna of the Hawaiian Islands. by various Authors, 1899-1913. Cambridge [Eng.]: The University Press 1913’

(public domain)

*********************  

edited: 20.09.2020

Xestospiza conica James & Olson

Cone-billed Finch (Xestospiza conica)

This species, which was endemic to the island of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands, was described in 1991 based on two maxillae that were fumbled out of subfossil pellets that were left behind by the likewise extinct Kauai Stilt Owl (Grallistrix auceps James & Olson).

The Cone-billed Finch was perfectly named for the shape of its beak. 

*********************

References:

[1] S. L. Olson; H. F. James: Descriptions of thirty-two new species of birds from the Hawaiian Islands: Part II. Passeriformes. Ornithological Monographs 45: 1-91. 1991

*********************

edited: 29.05.2019

Carelia cochlea (Reeve)

Screwed Carelia Snail (Carelia cochlea 

This species was described in 1849, it is known exclusively from subfossil specimens.  

The shells reached sizes of about 4 cm. [1]  

***

The Screwed Carelia Snail died out shortly after the colonization of the Hawaiian Islands by the first Polynesian settlers, which introduced rats and pigs to the islands.  

*********************  

References:  

[1] C. Montague Cooke Jr.: The land snail genus Carelia. Bishop Museum Bulletin 85: 1-97. 1931  

*********************

Depiction from: ‘George W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second series: Pulmonata. Vol 21: Achatinellidae (Amastrinae). 1911′

(public domain)

*********************  

edited: 21.10.2017

Amastra knudseni Baldwin

Knudsen’s Amastra Snail (Amastra knudseni)

Knudsen’s Amastra Snail was described in 1895, the species was restricted to a small remnant of native forest at Pu’u ka Pele in the Waimea Canyon area of the island of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands.

The author who described the species also mentions some little information about its whereabouts … and the obvious reasons for its extinction.:

The species is very rare. We dedicate it to Mr. Knudsen, the young naturalist who discovered it. He writes that it is of very limited distribution, being found far up the mountain only in an isolated tract of woodland which escaped the forest fires of twenty years ago. In three days’ diligent search he found only twelve living examples.

***

The species was quite large, its shells reached sizes of about 3,3 cm in length.

*********************

edited: 24.04.2019

Spherillo albospinosus (Dollfus)

White-spined Woodlouce (Spherillo albospinosus)

The White-spined Woodlouce was described in 1900; it was only known from a single male specimen that was collected near the north-western coast of the island of O’ahu, Hawaiian Islands. An additional female specimen from Kaumakani (than known as Makaweli) near the south-western coast of Kaua’i was also assigned to that species.

The species has basically never been seen since and, like so many other Hawaiian endemic species, is quite surely extinct.

*********************

References:

[1] Fauna Hawaiiensis; being the land-fauna of the Hawaiian islands. by various authors, 1899-1913. Cambridge [Eng.]: The University Press 1913

*********************

edited: 07.08.2022

Carelia dolei ssp. dolei Ancey

Dole’s Carelia Snail (Carelia dolei ssp. dolei)  

The nominate race of this species was described in the year 1893, as far as I know, this form is known exclusively from subfossil shells.  

The species was endemic to Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands.  

The shell reaches a height of about 5,8 cm.  

*********************

Depiction from: ‘George W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second series: Pulmonata. Vol 21: Achatinellidae (Amastrinae). 1911′  

(public domain) 

*********************

edited: 21.10.2017

Myadestes myadestinus (Stejneger)

Large Kauai Thrush (Myadestes myadestinus)

The Large Kauai Thrush, known to the native Hawaiians as kāma’o, was described in 1887; as its name implies, it was endemic to the island of Kaua’i.

It was the largest member of its genus on the islands, and it inhabited its home together with another congeneric species, the Small Kauai Thrush, aka. puaiohi, (Myadestes palmeri (Rothschild)), which is still surviving until today.

The Large Kauai Thrush was considered very common at the beginning of the 1800s and was found throughout the island, however, the destruction of the island forests and the unintentional introduction of avian malaria onto the islands took their toll on the birds and their populations collapsed.

The last sighting took place in 1989 in the infamous Alaka’i Wilderness Preserve, which was the last fortress for a number of endemic bird species; and like so many other Hawaiian birds, also the kāma’o is now extinct.

***

syn. Phaeornis myadestina Stejneger

*********************

Photo: Hiart
(no copyright)

*********************

edited: 17.11.2021

Chelychelynechen quassus Olson & James

Turtle-jawed Moa-nalo (Chelychelynechen quassus)

The Turtle-jawed Moa-nalo was described in 1991; it is known only based on subfossil remains that were recovered in 1976 from the Makawehi dunes on the south-eastern coast of the island of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands.

In life this species must have looked like a very big and thick goose with tiny wings and with a shortened beak which was as high as it was long; nevertheless it was most closely related to the duck genus Anas.

The species fed on several plants, and even today many of these former food plants exist and show typical adaptions of heavily-browsed plant species like rough, hirsute leaves are thorny stems and leaves.

*********************

References:

[1] S. L. Olson; H. F. James: Descriptions of thirty-two new species of birds from the Hawaiian Islands: Part I. Non-Passeriformes. Ornithological Monographs 45: 1-91. 1991

*********************

edited: 08.08.2022

Pseudisidora rubella (Lea)

Reddish Lymnaea Snail (Pseudisidora rubella)

The Reddish Lymnaea Snail was described in 1841; the species was originally found on all of the Hawaiian main islands where it mainly inhabited streams but was also found in pools or on the wet rocky surfaces below waterfalls. Its biology is not well-known, but it probably fed on algae.

The shells of this species are dextral, they reach heights of up to 1,3 cm.

The Reddish Lymnaea Snail is now extinct.

*********************

References:

[1] Carl C. Christensen: Type species designation for Pelagolimnaea Germain, 1928, and a correction regarding the type species of Pseudisidora Thile, 1931 (Gastropoda: Basommatophora: Lymnaeidae). Records of the Hawaii Biological Survey for 2014. Part I: edited by Neal L. Evenhuis & Scott E. Miller. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 116: 53–56. 2015

*********************

edited: 01.08.2022

Psittirostra psittacea (Gmelin)

Ou (Psittirostra psittacea)

 

The Ou was described in 1789; it was already mentioned in an enumeration of birds found on the island of Hawai’i during Cook’s last voyage.

Originally, the species inhabited all of the Hawaiian main islands where it originally was very common and widespread, the birds undertook wide wanderings, likely even between islands, to exploit seasonally available food resources. They generally fed on fruits, mainly of the native ‘ie’ie (Freycinetia arborea Gaudich.) but they also fed upon insects

The species reached a size of about 17 cm; it showed a marked sexual dimorphism; both sexes were generally olive-green, had pink legs and feet and beaks, but the males had a bright yellow head.

The Hawaiian name of the bird was ‘ō’ū. [1]

***

The last populations of the Ou survived on the islands of Hawai’i, where they were last seen in 1987 in the Ōla’a area and on Kaua’i, where they finally were last seen in 1989 on the Alaka’i plateau; no real efforts had been undertaken to save the last populations. [1]

*********************

References:

[1] H. Douglas Pratt: The Hawaiian Honeycreepers: Drepanidinae. Oxford Univ. Pr. 2005

*********************

Depiction from: ‘Scott B. Wilson; A. H. Wilson; Frederick William Frohawk; Hans Gadow: Aves Hawaiienses: the birds of the Sandwich Islands. London: R. H. Porter 1890-1899’

(not in copyright)

*********************

edited: 01.08.2022

Hypena plagiota (Meyrick)

Lovegrass Owlet Moth (Hypena plagiota 

The Lovegrass Owlet Moth, which was described in 1899, occurred on the islands of Kaua’i and O’ahu, where it inhabited areas at higher elevations, the species probably also occurred on Hawai’i and Maui.  

The quite variable colored species reached a wingspan of about 3 cm.  

The caterpillars fed on several grass species from the genera Eragrostis, among them Eragrostis fosbergii Whitney, Eragrostis grandis Hillebr., and Eragrostis variabilis (Gaudich.) Steud.. [1]  

*********************  

References:  

[1] E. C. Zimmerman: Insects of Hawaii 7, Macrolepidoptera. University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu 1958  

*********************

Depiction from: ‘Fauna Hawaiiensis; being the land-fauna of the Hawaiian Islands. by various authors, 1899-1913. Cambridge [Eng.]: The University Press 1913’ 

(public domain) 

*********************  

edited: 31.03.2018

Cyanea eleeleensis (H. St. John) Lammers

Eleelee Cyanea (Cyanea eleeleensis)  

This species was described in 1987, it was only known from its type locality, in the Wainiha valley on the island of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands, where it was found growing in wet forest at an elevation of 213 m.  

The Eleelee Cyanea reached a heigth of about 1,8 m, its leaves were up to 40 cm long, its axillary inflorescences beared 11 to 20 purple flowers.  

The species was not found since its discovery in 1977 and is now extinct.  

*********************  

edited: 17.04.2019

Cyanea dolichopoda Lammers & Lorence

Blue Hole Cyanea (Cyanea dolichopoda)  

The Blue Hole Cyanea was discovered in 1990 on the island of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands, in an extremely inaccessible locality known as ‘The Blue Hole’, located at the headwaters of the Wailua River east of Kaua’i’s center, a deep and extremely wet valley head surrounded on three sides by vertical cliffs 900 m high and laced with waterfalls.  

The vegetation at this place comprises an unusual mix of shrubland and low rainforest with a canopy only 1 to 3 m tall and a very rich ground layer of ferns, only a single mature and three juvenile plants were found.  

The Blue Hole Cyanea is a 1 m tall, unbranched shrub.  

The leaves bear a 9 to 16 cm long petiole, the laminas are up to 10 cm long and 3,7 to 5,8 cm wide, their upper surface is green and glabrous, the lower surface is light green and bears scattered hairs along the midrib. The leaf the base is cordate, often markedly asymmetric, the margins are callose-serrulate, the apex is acute or obtuse. The only adult plant was found with not fully-developed flowers; thus, the fully expanded flowers or fruits are unknown. [1]  

***

The type locality was visited again in 1992, six weeks after Hurricane Iniki severely struck Kaua’i, all known individuals were found destroyed by the hurricane.  

The species was than described only one year later.  

It is somewhat possible that additional plants exist, however, the almost complete inaccessibility of the type locality makes it quite unlikely that it will soon be explored. [1]  

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References:  

[1] Thomas G. Lammers; David H. Lorence: A new species of Cyanea (Campanulaceae: Lobelioideae) from Kaua’i, and the resurrection of C. remyi. Novon 3: 431-436. 1993  

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edited: 03.04.2018

Blackburnia transiens (Sharp)

Ephemeral Ground Beetle (Blackburnia transiens)  

The Ephemeral Ground Beetle was described in 1903, it was endemic to the Makaweli region of the island of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands, where it appears to have been restricted to arboreal micro habitats.  

The beetle reached a length of 0,53 to 0,69 cm.  

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The Ephemeral Ground Beetle was not recorded during recent field works and is considered most probably extinct.  

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References:  

[1] J. K. Liebherr; E. C. Zimmerman: Insects of Hawaii: Hawaiian Carabidae (Coleoptera), Part 1: Introduction and Tribe Platynini. University of Hawaii Press 2000  

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edited: 02.09.2019

Amastra anthonii ssp. remota Cooke

Remote Amastra Snail (Amastra anthonii ssp. remota)

The Remote Amastra Snail was described in 1917, originally as a full species; it is known from (sub)fossil remains that were recovered from Pleistocene deposits in the southwestern part of the Kalalau Valley on the island of Kaua’i in the Hawaiian Islands.

A. remota is undoubtedly closely related to A. anthoni. It differs from Newcomb’s species by its much larger and flatter embryonic whorls, more cylindrical and less conic outlines. There is no doubt that both species are derived from the same stock as the granular surfaces of both are almost identical though slightly coarser in the best preserved specimens of A. remota. in two specimens of this species, the aperture is very oblique and narrow, the last whorl descending very rapidly just before terminating at the peristome.” [1]

It was classified as a subspecies of Anthoni’s Amastra Snail (Amastra anthonii (Newcomb)) in 1933. [2]

***

This form might in fact not be distinct at all but may be identical with Anthoni’s Amastra Snail.

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References:

[1] C. Montague Cooke: Some new species of Amastra. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 3(3): 1-34. 1917
[2] C. Montague Cooke: New species of Amastridae. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 10(6): 1-29. 1933

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Photo from: ‘C. Montague Cooke: Some new species of Amastra. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 3(3): 1-34. 1917’

(public domain)

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edited: 04.05.2022