KAILUA, KONA, Hawai'i — State agriculture officials say sightings of stinging nettle caterpillars in West Hawai'i may mean the invasive species is expanding its range beyond East Hawai'i.

The first infestation of the black-and-white insects was discovered May 3 in Kamani Trees, the second in Kuakini Makai.

The insect's bristly spines can sting people who touch them.

Those who touch the caterpillar can suffer itching, a persistent rash, welts and blisters lasting a couple of days.

Patrick Conant is an entomologist with the Department of Agriculture.

He suspects the caterpillar came from infested plants transported from East Hawai'i, where they are well-established.

Experts believe nettle caterpillars arrived in Hawai'i from Taiwan.

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Information from: West Hawaii Today, www.westhawaiitoday.com