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Pacific Pests, Pathogens & Weeds - Mini Fact Sheet Edition

Coconut termite (116)

Photo 1. Winged adult and worker termites, Neotermes rainbowii.

Photo 2. Coconut termite, Neotermes rainbowi, soldier and worker.

Photo 3. Characteristic groves in the trunk of a coconut palm made by the coconut termite, Neotermes ranbowi.

Photo 4. Attack by the coconut termite, Neotermes rainbowi, has produced the characteristic grooves in the trunk, destruction of internal tissues and death of the palm.

Summary

Narrow distribution. Known only from the central Pacific. On coconuts, but also stilt roots of Pandanus. An important pest.
After the nuptial flight, the queen lays eggs, producing workers and a few solders. Once the colony is established, it begins hollowing out the centre of the palm; this makes it likely to snap off in the wind.
Characteristic grooves covered with frass and wood are made in the “bark” for reasons unknown.
Cultural control: dig out and burn palms as soon as net-like grooves are seen.
Chemical control: not appropriate for this pest; the chemicals might contaminate the fresh water lens.

Common Name

Coconut termite

Scientific Name

Neotermes rainbowi. A related termine, Neotermes samoanus, is present in Samoa.

AUTHOR Grahame Jackson
Information from Waterhouse DF (1993) Biological Control Pacific Prospects - Supplement 2. ACIAR Monograph No. 20. Brown Prior Anderson, Burwood, Victoria. Photos 1-4 Gerald McCormak, Cook Island Biodiversity & Natural Heritage. (http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/).

Produced with support from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research under project PC/2010/090: Strengthening integrated crop management research in the Pacific Islands in support of sustainable intensification of high-value crop production, implemented by the University of Queensland and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community.

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