Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle
Coconut Rhinoceros Beetles (CRBs) are an invasive pest that pose a significant threat to Hawaiʻi's palm trees, including our iconic coconut palms. Early detection and reporting are crucial in managing their spread and protecting our valuable tropical trees. They are nocturnal, and can be detected at dusk or night.
CRBs are large (1.5 to 2” long), dark brown beetles native to the Asian tropics. They were first detected in Hawaiʻi on Oʻahu in December 2013 and has since been found on other islands. CRBs primarily target coconut and oil palms but can also damage other palm species.
Adult beetles bore into the heart of the palm’s crown, feeding on sap and injuring developing
leaves. The larvae, which are white grubs with a brown head, often develop in decaying organic matter like mulch piles and green waste, making proper waste management an important part of control efforts.
The damage caused by CRB can weaken and eventually kill palm trees and other tropical plants, including banana, kalo, and pineapple. CRB are a threat to Hawaiʻi’s environment, economy, and cultural landscapes.
For the latest on CRB monitoring statewide, check out the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (DAB) dashboards.
Photos courtesy CRB Response