Pacific Pests & Pathogens - Full Size Fact SheetsHibiscus flower-eating beetle (400)
Pacific Pests & Pathogens - Full Size Fact SheetsHibiscus flower-eating beetle (400)
Common Name
Hibiscus flower-eating beetle
Scientific Name
Genus and species unknown. A chrysomelid beetle of the subfamily Cryptocephalinae.
Distribution
Narrow. Probably a native of Fiji, but possibly present elsewhere; it is awaiting identification. There are about 20 species in Fiji, and they are unusual in that they are derived entirely from a flower-feeding group.
Hosts
Hibiscus. Commonly found on flowers of Myrtaceae, the myrtle family; this family includes Eucalyptus, Melaleuca and Eugenia.
Symptoms & Life Cycle
The adult beetle eats holes in the flowers (Photos 1-3). The biology of most species of Cryptocephalinae is not well known. In general, the female drops its eggs, coated in faeces, onto the soil; presumably the faeces protect them from scavenging enemies. The eggs usually have a distinct spiral ridge. However, the larvae may take up to 2 years before they become adult.
The larvae feed on dead leaves and bark on the ground, but there is speculation that many also feed part time on living plants. The larvae are so-called 'case-bearers': they live in pear-shaped cases of their own faeces with only the head and legs visible. They are nocturnal.
The adult beetles (those feeding on hibiscus in this fact sheet) are 2.5 mm long, with brown head and pronotum (the region behind the head partly covering the thorax), and black forewings. Other species are much smaller.
Impact
Cryptocephalinae are very rarely recorded as pests since they are so small and rarely occur in large numbers. They are probably ‘cryptic’ pests (i.e., not pests but look like those that are). However, there is a species that eats eucalypt seedlings as well as dead leaves and bark in managed forests, and this may affect the succession of trees. Another member of the Cryptocephalinae, Diachus auratus, the bronze leaf beetle, is found worldwide, and is now in Pacific island countries and attacks Leucaena.
Detection & Inspection
Look for beetles, about 2.5 mm long, brown heads, black forewings, eating holes in hibiscus flowers. Look to notice that the beetles invariably seem to be copulating, with males on top of females, but this may be behaviour known as 'male-gating', done to keep rivals at bay (Photos 1&2).
Management
It is unlikely that control measures will be required against this beetle: it is small and does not occur in large numbers, on the flowers of hibiscus at least. If troublesome, use cultural control measures, such as hand picking, making sure to check at different times during day and night for the highest populations.
If this is not sufficient, try home-made extracts of neem leaves/stems or seeds (boiling the neem in water, cooling, and adding a small amount of soap). Alternatively, use a commercial pesticide made from neem oil, following the instructions. Sprays with commercial pyrethrum, or home-made from chilli fruits also have potential.
AUTHOR Grahame Jackson & Mani Mua
Information from Chris Reid, Australian Museum, Sydney (personnel communication).
Produced with support from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research under project HORT/2016/18: Responding to emerging pest and disease threats to horticulture in the Pacific islands, implemented by the University of Queensland and the Pacific Community
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