Thankfully, in native habitats this beetle has several predators that feed on the eggs and early instar larvae of the beetle. It also affects the reproductive abilities and longevity of the adults. There is also a viral pathogen called Baculovirus of Oryctes (OBV) and it can kill the larvae within 15 to 20 days of inoculation. It is able to kill the pest in low temperature and high humidity conditions. In several of the areas where this beetle is native to there is a green Muscardine fungus ( Metarhizium anisopliae) that is able to kill the larvae and is used as a biological control. Oil cakes of neem and marotti ( Hydnocarpus wightiana) have also provided good results. Suggested methods are pesticides and/or napthalene balls to repel the beetles. Chemical methods that can be used as prevention. The mechanical aspects are examining trees for infestation and removing the beetle physically. To control Oryctes rhinoceros an integrated pest management consisting of mechanical, chemical, and biological methods is necessary. rhinoceros but are found in Africa and Saudi Arabia where they are pests of coconut and palm trees Management Oryctes boas and Oryctes monoceros both resemble O. Present: Hawaii, Guam, and American Samoa Resembles
Habitat: Anywhere with higher humidity levels and where the host plants are able to grow. The interisland transport of people, plants, and fruits has facilitated the spread of this beetle. It has been found aboard aircrafts amongst live plant tissue flasks being imported from Southeast Asia. It was thought to have spread throughout Samoa by compost and rotting breadfruit/banana that is sued for earth ovens. Since then it was discovered in Oahu, Hawaii in December 2013. It then reached Guam in 2007 and spread to all urban and suburban areas by 2012. HistoryĪccidental introduction into Samoa from Sri Lanka in 1909 presumably happened by seedling pot plants being imported into Samoa. From egg to beetle the total life cycle lasts 4 to 9 months, meaning that more than one generation per year can occur. After hatching, the insect goes through 4 instar stages (totaling 90 to 220 days) before enter pupation that lasts 17 to 28 days. Biologyįemales burrow into rotting stumps, standing trees or debris piles (such as sawdust or compost) to lay whitish-brown eggs.
On other islands in the Pacific, this beetle has been documented to destroy over 50% of coconut palms present on the islands. Moreover, the beetle is able to also infest sugarcane and palms which means if this beetle were able to make it to the continental United States it could severely impact Texas, Louisiana, and Florida crops and native palm plants. Several of these plants are economically and ecologically important for Hawaii. A moderate infestation can reduce nut production and a strong infestation can cause dieback and eventually death to the plants. Symptoms of beetle infestation are damage to the center of the crown and the developing leaves growing out with a V-shape due to the feeding path from the larvae. Host Plant: Coconut, palm, pineapple, papaw, taro and date trees, and sugarcane. Larvae Description: Larvae are white and c-shaped with brown legs and head. The posterior end (pygidium) is densely covered with reddish brown hairs on the ventral surface in the female which helps in distinguish it from the male. They are black or reddish-black in color, and have a characteristic horn which is larger in males (pictured below male beetle on the right). Adult Description: The adults of Oryctes rhinboceros are large and stout beetles that can measure up to 35mm long and 21mm wide.
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