An invasive beetle is decimating Hawaii‘s palm tree population, and efforts to stop the destruction of thousands of trees have been nearly impossible.
The coconut rhinoceros beetle is an invasive species that is native to Southeast Asia. It arrived on Oahu, Hawaii, in 2013 and has since killed a minimum of 200 trees and damaged over 1,000 more, according to the SF Gate.
Opinions on the battle against the harmful bug vary depending on the island, while some believe there is still hope for the beloved palm trees, others find the fight to be a lost cause.
Oahu and Kauai are considered to have the worst infestation. Kauai was swarmed with the horned beetles in May 2023.
Maui found the bugs in September 2023, and the island of Hawaii, also known as the Big Island, discovered the pest a month later.
Most recently, the invasive species was found on the island of Lanai in May of this year.
Locals shared online how their community is already starting to look different from what it once was.
One user wrote on Facebook: ‘Went to one of my favorite places out west today. It was completely magical. But what was so depressing was that every single coconut tree there is dying. The Coconut Rhino Beetle has literally killed them all.’
The coconut rhinoceros beetle is an invasive species that is native to Southeast Asia. It arrived on Oahu, Hawaii, in 2013 and has since killed 200 trees and damaged over 1,000 more. Pictured: The Four Seasons in Hawaii
The coconut rhinoceros beetle is fairly large black somewhat red insect with a length about 1.18 to 1.38 inches and a width of around 1.2 to 1.4 inches
Another added: ‘I find myself looking more at coconut trees nowadays. It’s an irritation to me that Oahu is losing the war against CRB – [coconut rhinoceros beetles]. The invasion was known about 12 years ago!’
A third said: ‘Major bummer, these royal palms on Palm Drive, a few blocks from our home here in Wahiawa, are dying. They have been destroyed by coconut rhinoceros beetles.’
‘Apparently, there is nothing that can be done to save them. They also eat banana plants, papaya, pineapples, and more. Aloha.’
The coconut rhinoceros beetle is fairly large black somewhat red insect with a length of about 1.18 to 1.38 inches and a width of around 1.2 to 1.4 inches, according to the USDA.
RCB damages palm trees by burrowing into the center of the crown or the very top center of the tree.
The bugs consume the growing tissues and feed on the sap, simultaneously destroying the developing leaves necessary for the tree’s survival.
The state has considered plans on how to get rid of the rhino-beetles, including poisoning the bugs
Most recently, the invasive species was found on the island of Lanai in May of this year
RCB lay their eggs around 30 at a time in the heads of dead standing coconut palms or coconut stumps and logs on the ground.
The state has considered plans on how to get rid of the rhino-beetles, including poisoning the bugs.
New Zealand has used a type of nudivirus to kill the beetles by giving them fatal infections.
However, Hawaii has a different kind of coconut rhinoceros beetle according to Hawaii News Now.
The state would need to test if the infection they give the pest would kill the bugs, and also needs costly mobile facilities.
Several pesticides have shown promise in managing the CRB, and the state is actively pursuing biological control options as long-term solutions, according to the Hawaii Invasive Species Council.
The council also found fungal options were effective in treating the issue, but they are not yet regulated by the state.
Citizens are called on to act individually to do their part in protecting the island’s ecosystem.
‘The most effective approach combines proper green waste management with targeted chemical applications when necessary, supported by ongoing biocontrol research efforts,’ said the council.
