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The Maui News HONOLULU—Three live adult coconut rhinoceros beetles (CRB) have been detected in traps in the Waikoloa area on Hawai‘i island. The captures
Three live adult coconut rhinoceros beetles (CRB) have been detected in traps in the Waikoloa area on Hawai‘i Island. The captures during the past week were the first detections of adult CRB on the island since six grubs (larvae) were found in October 2023, in a decaying palm tree by a resident in Waikoloa Village.
Live Coconut Rhinoceros Beetles Detected in Waikoloa
In a multi-agency effort, treatments, inspections and surveillance continue on Maui for coconut rhinoceros beetles (CRB). To date, no CRB have been confirmed on Maui since an initial detection of 17 live CRB larvae in one palm tree in Kīhei in November 2023. One dead CRB adult was found at a Maui retail store in September 2023.
They're no bigger than 1/16 of an inch, about the size of a fig, and move relatively slow. However, one bite from a little fire ant and you'll understand why this invasive species has the Department of Agriculture implementing an interim rule to prevent their spread.