Rhynchophorus vulneratus

Background Title
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Taxonomy
Order Coleoptera
Family Curculionidae
Genus Rhynchophorus
Species vulneratus
Other Scientific Name
Common Name
  • red palm weevil
Pictures
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Adult weevil

Sign / Symptoms
Description

Female adults lay eggs in damaged or wounded parts of the palm caused by rhinoceros beetles, human activity, or other factors. The larvae feed internally on the crown, stem, and bold of the palm. Early infestation signs are not visible, but severe damage results in the crown or shoot breaking, leaving only the trunk and leading to the tree's death. The entire life cycle occurs inside the tree, with adult beetles emerging to breed after the tree dies.



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Pupae

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Infested royal palm

Part Affected
Stem
Shoot
Stage Affected
Fruiting
Vegetative Growing
Flowering
Major Host
Cocos nucifera
Elaeis guineensis
Management And Control

Prevent injuries to palm trees, as adult females prefer to lay eggs on wounds. Minimize damage, particularly from rhinoceros beetles. Remove and destroy dead palms, ensuring the area is free from potential breeding sites. Dispose of leftover plant material by burying or burning to eliminate larvae and adults. When pruning fronds, leave about 1 meter from the petiole to prevent harm. Additionally, use pheromone traps (RPW-lure) to monitor and control the beetle population effectively.

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