Pacific Pests, Pathogens & Weeds - Mini Fact Sheet Edition

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Coconut spathe bug (062)

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Photo 1. Axiagastus rosmarus. This is given as an example of a stink bug similar to Axiagastus cambelli.

Photo 3 'Dry' nuts like those said to be produced on palms infested with Axiagastus cambelli. (This image was taken in Guam and sent to www.pestnet.org  for identification.)

Photo 2. Axiagastus species from cocounts in Fiji. Many were removed from palms by Cyclone Harold in April 2020. Possibily, Axiagastus cambelli.

Summary

• Narrow distribution. Southeast Asia (Singapore), Oceania. On coconut and betel nuts. It is not certain that this insect is the cause of the symptoms described below.
• Eggs laid in groups on flowers, on fibre at the base of the fronds, and on leaflets. Nymphs white, then orange and black. Adults, 15 mm long; strong smell when disturbed.
• Adults and nymphs use long mouth parts to suck sap of young coconuts. When bugs are numerous, young nuts fall, and those left are long and dry (i.e., without meat or milk). But it is NOT proven that the bug is the cause.
• Cultural control: Oecophylla ants will likely reduce numbers. Plant soursops, and when scale insects have established in the trees, place ant “nests” in the canopy.
• Chemical control: none recommended.

Common Name

Coconut spathe bug

Scientific Name

Axiagastus cambelli. (Note that Photo 1 is provided for reference only; it was not taken in the Pacific islands, and may not be a pest of coconuts. It is from the National Taiwan University Insect Museum Digital Archive Project).

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