- 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.
Pacific Pests, Pathogens and Weeds - Online edition
Pacific Pests, Pathogens, Weeds & Pesticides
Coconut spathe bug (062)
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Summary
Common Name
Coconut spathe bug
Scientific Name
Axiagastus campbelli. (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).
AUTHORS Helen Tsatsia & Grahame Jackson
Photo 1 National Taiwan University Insect Museum Digital Archives Project. (http://www.imdap.entomol.ntu.edu.tw/CommonInsectImage.php?CIindex=image&L=C&CI_ID=14491). Photo 3 Mani Mua SPC, Sigatoka Research Station, Fiji.
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.
