South American palm weevil - Rhynchophorus palmarum
Effective: June 29, 2012
Taxonomic Position: Coleoptera : Curculionidae
Pest Type: Insects
Pest Code (NAPIS): INASHTA
This pest is a member of the following surveys: Palm
These Approved Methods are appropriate for: 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015
Pest Information
CAPS Pest Datasheet: https://download.ceris.purdue.edu/file/3063
Pest Tracker: https://pesttracker.org/pest/INASHTA
Hosts Identified in the CAPS Host Matrix:
New World palm/Palmetto; Palm (coconut palm, oil palm, etc.); Sugarcane
Human and Animal Pathogens Transmitted:
Not known to transmit any human or animal pathogens.
Pest Pathogens and Organisms Vectored:
This species vectors the nematode, Bursaphelenchus cocophilus (formerly Rhadinaphelenchus cocophilus).
Survey
Approved Method(s)
| Method | Detail | NAPIS Survey Method |
|---|---|---|
| Trap | 26 - Palm Weevil Bucket Trap | 3001 - General Trapping Procedure |
| Trap | 23 - Homemade 5-Gallon Bucket Trap | 3001 - General Trapping Procedure |
| Visual | See the CPHST pest datasheet for detailed survey instructions. | 3031 - General Visual Observation |
| Trap | 114 - Palm Weevil Cone Trap | 3001 - General Trapping Procedure |
Method Notes:
3/30/22: The palm weevil cone trap is now approved for use, but it is currently not available for purchase in IPHIS. If you need assistance procuring this trap, please contact your survey supply coordinator.
6/29/12: For home-made traps, the bucket may range in size from one to five gallons. Previously, only 5 gallon buckets were acceptable.
Visual surveys may be used to detect larval populations before adults emerge. A trap and lure combination may be used to detect adult populations. See the Pest Datasheet for survey instructions. See USDA (2010) for instructions on making a Home-made 5 gallon bucket trap.
6/29/12: For home-made traps, the bucket may range in size from one to five gallons. Previously, only 5 gallon buckets were acceptable.
Visual surveys may be used to detect larval populations before adults emerge. A trap and lure combination may be used to detect adult populations. See the Pest Datasheet for survey instructions. See USDA (2010) for instructions on making a Home-made 5 gallon bucket trap.
Approved Lure(s)
| NAPIS Code | Product | Dispenser | Effectiveness | Compound(s) | 110 | Rhynchophorus palmarum Aggregation Lure | polysleeve | 42 days | rhynchophorol |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palm Weevil Lure, Ethyl Acetate | polysleeve | 42 days | ethyl acetate |
|
| Food bait (Rhynchophorus spp.) | N/A | 7 days | sugar cane cut apples palm pieces 10% molasses containing 1 tsp baker's yeast |
Lure Notes:
6/29/12: The length of effectiveness of all three palm weevil lures (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Aggregation Lure; Rhynchophorus palmarum Aggregation Lure; and Palm Weevil Lure, Ethyl Acetate) has been changed from 84 days to 42 days. The release rates and longevity of the lures are also based on temperature (i.e., the release rate increases at higher temperatures). Lures may need to be changed more frequently in hot, dry regions such as Texas and California.
At the present time, it appears that placing pheromones for both R. ferrugineus and R. palmarum, the South American Palm Weevil, in the same trap is an acceptable practice. Therefore, if both pests are targets, the trap should be baited with the pheromone lures for R. ferrugineus and R. palmarum, ethyl acetate, and the food bait. See USDA (2010) for survey instructions on making the Homemade 5-gallon bucket trap.
At the present time, it appears that placing pheromones for both R. ferrugineus and R. palmarum, the South American Palm Weevil, in the same trap is an acceptable practice. Therefore, if both pests are targets, the trap should be baited with the pheromone lures for R. ferrugineus and R. palmarum, ethyl acetate, and the food bait. See USDA (2010) for survey instructions on making the Homemade 5-gallon bucket trap.
Survey Recommendations
The following are recommendations for executing the survey using the approved methods for pest surveillance. The recommendations are developed through literature review and consultation with subject matter experts.
Key Diagnostic or Identification
Approved Method(s)
ID/Diagnostic:
Morphological. Identification should be verified by an identifier with expertise in the Rhynchophorus genus. A microscope with x50 magnification is needed.
Mistaken Identities:
Rhynchophorus ferrugineus and R. cruentatus (native to the southeastern United States)
References
- EPPO. 2007. Diagnostics: Rhynchophorus ferrugineus and Rhynchophorus palmarum (PM 7/83 (1)). EPPO Bulletin, 37(3), 571-579. (Key to adult and larvae)
- Floyd, J. 2012. Protocol for Preparing and Forwarding Suspect South American Palm Weevil from Survey Traps for Confirmation and to Maximize Red Ring Nematode Detection. USDA-APHIS-PPQ.
- R.M. Giblin-Davis. Biology and management of palm weevils. University of Florida/IFAS. Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center.
- USDA-APHIS-PPQ-EDP. 2010. New Pest Response Guidelines: Red Palm Weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus.Riverdale, Maryland.
If you are unable to find a reference, contact STCAPS@usda.gov. See the CAPS Pest Datasheet for all references.