The Coconut Leaf-Mining Beetle Promecotheca Papuana.

Abstract

The severe depredations of the coconut leaf-mining beetle, " Promecotheca papuana ”, have been noted by many observers on coconut plantations in New Guinea. The author, Chairman of the Entomology Department of Bishop Museum, Honolulu, who made a detailed study of the ecology of the pest in 1956 and 1957, draws attention to the " one-stage ” nature of the infestation, when it reaches plague proportions. In this detailed review, Dr. Gressitt acknowledges published and unpublished material assembled by workers in New Guinea. He concludes that although much still remains to be learned about the factors leading to the outbreaks it is advantageous for planters to take steps to encourage predators of the beetle, such as lizards, birds and the kurukum ant.