Pests of coconut palm - the New Guinea rhinoceros beetle

Abstract

The New Guinea rhinoceros beetle, Scapanes australis is a devastating pest of young coconut palms in Papua New Guinea. It occurs in all areas of the country where coconuts are grown. The beetle is indigenous to this country (i.e. it is not an introduced pest). It can make
establishing young coconut palms in the field very difficult. In areas where damage is severe, young palms are often killed.