Early detection of the palmetto weevil, Rhynchophorus cruentatus F. (Coleoptera: Dryopthoridae)

The palmetto weevil, Rhynchophorus cruentatus F. is native to Florida and causes economic damage to stressed native palms like Sabal palmetto and Phoenix canariensis. This study was carried out to determine the feasibility of using acoustic technology to detect and target early instars with the ultimate goal to identify and treat infested trees before extensive damage occurs. Three neonates were put into separate holes drilled in base of uninfested palm frond, there were a total of ten replicates and they were kept under ambient conditions. After 24hours, 2 minute recording of each replicate was made, and this continued at 7 day interval until day 106 after inoculation. Each replicate was recorded five times indoors and outdoors using an AED 2000 insect detector. The recordings were analyzed using the Digitize, Analyze, and View Insect Sounds (DAVIS) software. Results showed that R. cruentatus of all instars produced enough audible sounds to be detected both indoors and open environments.