Sometimes it looks like flecks of moss. Other times it resembles twigs, leaflets or bits of bark. It’s just a half-inch to three-quarters of an inch long, but make no mistake: The carnivorous caterpillar (genus Eupi- thecia) is deadly. It cunningly camouflages itself and waits patiently until an unsuspecting fly, spider, cricket or such passes by.

Then it strikes at lightning speed! Using its pincers, it grabs its prey, holding it in a vicelike grip as it devours the poor creature alive. It’s a sight at once gruesome and fascinating.

Of the hundreds of species of Eupithecia moths worldwide, about 20 are found only in Hawaii. The caterpillars of a few of those species feed on plants like their cousins around the globe, but the caterpillars of the rest are strictly meat eaters (the islands’ isolation allowed such unusual mutations to develop and endure).

The carnivorous caterpillar is one of the amazing critters that might be seen during BioBlitz, which was launched at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park in 2015. Co-hosted by the National Geographic Society and the National Park Service, that event was the ninth in a series of 10 BioBlitzes held at select national parks beginning in 2007 as a prelude to the National Park Service’s centennial celebration last year.

They provided a glimpse of the incredible plants and animals that are thriving in American wildernesses from the Pacific to Atlantic coasts. Scientists led small groups into specific areas to find and identify as many species as possible in two or three hours.

The park’s upcoming BioBlitz will again be part science project, part outdoor excursion and part celebration of biodiversity and Hawaiian culture.

“Our BioBlitz connects the community with respected scientists and cultural practitioners to learn why diverse ecological zones are crucial,” said Jessica Ferracane, the park’s public affairs specialist. “Everything, from the smallest bugs to the biggest trees, contributes to the health and balance of the environment. Our first BioBlitz was such a big hit, we decided to keep it going on our own.”

As the first stewards of the islands, Native Hawaiians exhibited great wisdom to conserve resources. For example, fishing, hunting and farming seasons were strictly regulated, and offenders were often put to death.

“Hawaiians were well aware of biodiversity and the importance of species preservation long before Western science arrived,” Ferracane said. “For that reason it made sense to hold BioBlitz in tandem with our cultural festival, which is in its 37th year.”

The festival’s theme this year is “Hilina‘i Puna, Kalele ia Ka‘u (Puna leans and reclines on Kau),” recognizing the two districts through which the 520-square-mile Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park extends. From the beginning the event’s focus has been on authentic Hawaiian cultural practices.

Attendees can pound poi, make lei and lau hala (pan- danus leaf) bracelets, make fishhooks and small kahili (feather standards), enjoy lomilomi massage, learn about plant-based medicine, print tapa patterns with bamboo stamps and play traditional games such as ulu maika (bowling), moa pahee (dart sliding) and hukihuki (tug of war). Highlights also include powerful presentations of hula kahiko (ancient hula).

Over the decades, kupuna (elders) have shared their knowledge, talent and skills with the hope of passing the torch to the next generation. According to Ferracane, that is happening: More and more young people are performing, leading demonstrations and manning educational booths sponsored by organizations such as the Hawaii Wildlife Center and the Plant Extinction Prevention Program.

“The Hawaiian Cultural Festival and BioBlitz spotlight Hawaii’s unique natural environment, the living culture that is so closely interwoven with it and the volcanoes that create the foundation for both,” she said. “Even if you come for just a little while, you’ll walk away with a lot. You can meet individuals at the forefront of science and culture and find out how to join their efforts, if you’re interested.”

Even better, reserve a whole day to explore Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, which is open around the clock, year-round. For starters, watch the sun rise, go on a hike and browse at Kilauea Visitor Center, Volcano Art Center and the Thomas A. Jaggar Museum. A popular picnic spot is Waldron Ledge, which offers sweeping views of Kilauea caldera, Halemaumau crater in the distance and, on cloudless days, the volcano Mauna Loa. Before sunrise or after sunset, a glowing lava lake and star-filled sky dominate the scene.

“There’s a reason why HVNP tops the list of Hawaii destinations,” Ferracane said. “People are drawn to the adventure, the beauty, the wonders and the mysteries that are here. They forge a stronger connection with nature and develop a deeper understanding of how truly amazing Hawaii is.”

BioBlitz schedule

Participants should wear sunscreen and a hat, and bring water, a rain jacket and a mat or chair.

Registration at fhvnp.org is required for hikes (space is limited; young children must be accompanied by an adult). Check in at the BioBlitz tent at Kilauea Military Camp (KMC) 15 minutes before the start time.

Directions to the drop-in station will also be available at the tent. Reservations are not necessary for this.

DROP-IN STATION

Hiding in Plain Sight

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Entomologists point out a wide range of insects and spiders that lurk under leaves.

HIKES

Feathers in the Forest

7:30 to 10 a.m. Get a glimpse of native honeycreepers and listen for the Hawaiian thrush. Participants must check in before driving themselves to the starting point (five minutes from KMC).

Botanical Bliss at the Kilauea Summit

8:30 to 10:30 a.m. See how many plants you can identify on this hike.

Tools of the Trade

8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Archaeologists discuss Hawaiian adze production during this walk. Participants must check in before driving themselves to the starting point (two minutes from KMC).

Kilauea Military Camp

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn about the role KMC played during World War II.

Na Mea Kanu o ka Hula

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Kumu hula Ab Valencia introduces plants used to make hula adornments.

Cheryl Chee Tsutsumi is a Honolulu-based freelance writer whose travel features for the Star-Advertiser have won several Society of American Travel Writers awards.