If a rhino beetle population isn't suppressed, it’s possible for adult beetles to kill massive numbers of palms, the release states. Preferred breeding sites are dead, standing coconut stems, and piles of decaying vegetation such those left behind by typhoons or after replanting of oil palm plantations. Immature beetles, or grubs, do no damage. They feed on dead, decaying vegetation in breeding sites. The coconut rhinoceros beetle has been attacking coconut trees on Guam since it was first discovered on the island in 2007, the release stated. Palms are damaged when adult beetles bore into the crowns of palms to feed on sap. “Failure to act will result in the rapid spread of the beetle with damage to economic activity and food security through many of the most vulnerable parts of the tropical world,” Jackson said.
The spread of the rhino beetle of Guam needs to be stopped, Jackson said. Marshall also discovered the Guam beetles are genetically different from other rhino beetle populations on Pacific islands. Sean Marshall and Trevor Jackson of AgResearch New Zealand were baffled when collaborative research with Moore showed the Guam beetles were resistant to all available strains of the virus, according to a release from the university. This method has been effective with the Guam rhino beetles, but doesn’t have as great an impact as the virus, he said. The virus is the most effective means to take care of the beetles, Moore said. Other methods include using a fungus that attacks the beetles. It seems the beetles in Guam have developed immunity to the virus known as Oryctes nudivirus, said Aubrey Moore, a University of Guam entomologist. It appears Guam’s rhino beetles are a unique breed.Ī virus that has helped control previous infestations of rhino beetles in other islands doesn’t affect the ones found here, according to researchers.
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