- Widespread distribution. Asia, Southeast Asia, Oceania. On coconuts, betel nut, sago palm, oil palm, and a number of ornamental and wild palms. An important pest.
- Life cycle of beetle within unopened spear leaf. Grubs and adults chew young leaves giving a scorched look.
- Damage severe on seedlings and young palms, making them more susceptible to drought and disease.
- Natural enemies: several parasitoid wasps.
- Cultural control: local varieties more tolerant than exotic types, e.g., Malayan Dwarf, and Federated Malay States are susceptible.
- Chemical control: PDPs: chilli, derris, or pyrethrum; synthetic pyrethroids, but likely to kill natural enemies.
