Insect Fauna of Oil Palm in the Northern Province of Papua New Guinea.

Abstract

Pyrethrum knockdowns were used to sample the insect faunas of two 3 ha plots of oil
palm. Approximately 150 samples were taken in each plot at regular intervals throughout
1973. The ant Anoplolepis longipes was the most abundant insect present. Five or more specimens of a further 25 species of insect were taken, and the distribution of some of these was found to vary between plots and between the edges and interior of the plots. The insect fauna of the Saiho plot changed substantially between 1968 and 1973; it is suggested that the changes were associated with the development of the palms, and that change was continuing during the study. Very little insect damage was present, in marked contrast to plantation situations elsewhere; in particular no Psychidae were found. Scapanes australis was the only species causing significant damage.