Division of Forestry and Wildlife

The Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle was recently discovered in Hawaii.  Learn more about this pest below or on the printable flier found here

RHINO BEETLE DAMAGE

The coconut rhinoceros beetle is a major pest of coconut palms. Adult beetles bore into the crowns (tops) of coconut palms where they feed on sap. When a beetle bores through developing leaves, these leaves grow out with distinctive V-shaped cuts.

RHINO BEETLE IN HAWAII

The coconut rhinoceros beetle, Oryctes rhinoceros, is a large scarab beetle which is native to Southeast Asia and is distributed through the Western Pacific Region. This pest was first detected in Honolulu in December, 2013, and aresponse was launched.

RHINO BEETLE BIOLOGY

• Adult rhino beetles are very large, dark brown beetles with a body length of about two inches.

• Both male and female rhino beetles have a single horn.

• Rhino beetles have four life stages: eggs, larvae, pupae and adults. The are laid and develop within rotting coconut logs, mulch or compost, from which the adults emerge.

• They develop from eggs to adults in about four months.

• Adult rhino beetles are very active at night and can fly.

• The larvae are white, C-shaped grubs which grow to about 3.5 inches in length, much larger than any beetle in Hawaii.

THE PLAN

The United States Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Department of Agriculture, University of Hawaii, and cooperators are working together to totally eradicate the rhino beetle from Hawaii.

Pheromone traps are being used to capture adults and crews are surveying for suspected beetle damage in coconut trees and potential breeding sites in mulch.

Do not move potentially infested materials such as compost or coconut palm trimmings.

Please help by reporting any sightings of rhino beetles or rhino beetle damage to the State Pest Hotline, 643-PEST (643-7378).

Click here for a printable flier with information and more images