Coco predation in East Hawai'i island

[Brad52]

Is this 'skeletonization' of coconut leaves a known thing around here and should I do something to prevent the critters from finding other palms?

[fiji jim]

here I would blame that on grasshoppers and stick insects.

insecticide will help, but need to id all in the vicinity that are affected and spray with a systematic or residual chemical

these eat up large and some take a bight the size of a fingernail

[Brad52]

Thanks for the reply, I was wondering about stick insects as well, I might need to try to get a closer look.

[CLINODAVE]

The damage your pic shows is a not uncommon occurrence in winter in east Hawaii.  I can’t recall the specific critter responsible, but it seems to clear up in warmer weather.  There’s a cluster of coconuts in the golf course on Banyan Drive - kinda near Suisan- that never seem to get this.  I’ve wondered if the golf course grass is treated for pests and the palms benefit.  But I don’t know;  could be something completely different.

[Brad52]

OK, thanks, appreciate the info!  I have 4 others that are thus far untouched and I certainly hope that it does not spread to my other species of palms.