RED PALM WEEVIL

The red palm weevils (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) are relatively large, ranging between 2 and 4 centimetres (1 and 1+1⁄2 inches) long. Their colour ranges from entirely orange - red to all black with all intermediates, depending on the number and size of black marks.

Originally from South-East Asia, they have spread to parts of Africa, Europe and America. 

Red palms weevils are usually attracted to unhealthy palm trees, but they will often attack healthy palms too. 

Adults cause feeding damage to the leaves but the larvae cause the most important damage as they spend their whole lives in the trunk.

Females lay eggs individually into soft tissues mainly at the base of living fronds. Larvae are present and feed in the softest and most humid living tissues (growth areas) with a low to moderate proportion of fibres. Their feeding makes it easier for adult weevils to lay eggs deeper into the tissue. Additionally, this provides entry points for microbial agents that can further destroy living tissue, leading to plant death.

It is very difficult to recognize the first signs of red palm weevil presence and only later stages of attack are conspicuous. However, the damage done before these later stages when detection becomes easier, can suffice for palms to die.

May exhibit the following symptoms:

- The leaves turn yellow and wilt.

- Presence of tunnels on the trunk or base of fronds.

- Breaking of the trunk, or toppling of the palm crown.

- The crown and trunk show boreholes with a brown, viscous liquid and chewed fibres coming out.

- Infested palms may emit "gnawing" sounds caused by larvae feeding inside.

- Inside the tree rotting occurs.

- Empty pupal cases and the bodies of dead adult RPW in and around heavily infested palms.