Coco-nut pests

Abstract

The large Dynastids, Xylotrupes gideon, L. (Elephant beetle), Scapanes grossepunctatus, Sternb. (Rhinocerus beetle) and Trichogomphus semmilinki, Rits. (Solomon Islands Rhinocerus beetle), cannot be classed as major pests of the palms, but are yet of considerable economic importance in that by means of their eating holes in the soft tissue at the base of the head of the palm they lead to admission of the Palm Weavils, which are very serious pests of the trunk and “cabbage”. By attention to the reduction of the numbers of these beetles in any area the danger of infestation by the Palm Weevil is very greatly lessened.