Documenting Brontispa longissima (Palm Leaf Beetle)

[PalmnutVN]

I've just recently had what can only be termed as 'palm carnage' in my yard. Several of my palms have been severely attacked by Brontispa longissma.

While my palms will probably recover, it does leave them looking rather unsightly. Nevertheless, I thought I would take the opportunity to document my experience here.

Palms attacked include: Cocus nucifera, Dictyosperma album, Archontophoenix alexandrae and Ravenea rivularis......

Brontispa larvae

Brontispa beetle

The damage to the pinnae is quite obvious while the rachis remains mostly unharmed with the exception of some surface damage. (Ravenea)

The new spears generally remain unopened. (Ravenea)

Rachis surface damage. (Ravanea)

Damage to pinnae (Archontophoenix)

All plants have now been treated with both a systemic insecticide (thiamethoxam) sprayed in and around the crown plus a soil drench of Diazinon which seems to have put an end to their dastardly deeds for now, the dead beetles and larvae emerging with the new growth that the palms are pushing up.