Pest Impact
Losing Palm Trees Has Many Impacts
South American palm weevils are attacking palm tree species found throughout Southern California on private properties, municipal, county, state, federal public lands, and tribal lands. This species can infest healthy, undamaged palms, feeding on the growing crown tissue and ultimately killing the tree. Females may oviposit between 120-150 eggs in a 30-day span. A healthy adult coconut palm can be killed by only 30 larvae.
This invasive pest is a serious threat to many native and non-native palm species. The popular Canary Island Date Palm (Phoenix canariensis) and edible Date Palms (Phoenix dactylifera) are the most at risk of damage, potentially devastating the $140 million date and ornamental nursery industry in southern California.
How Palm Trees Are Impacted
The South American palm weevil leaves visible evidence of infestation. The weevil lays its eggs in the crown of host palms and the larvae create detrimental impacts to the the hosts' health and aesthetic. These are the signs to look for when trying to determine if South American palm weevil is causing your tree decline.
- Accumulated frass (insect excrement) at leaf bases
- Pupal cases on the ground near the tree
- Holes and tunneling at the base of the palm fronds
- Characteristic putrid odor
- Progressive foliage yellowing and eventual death
- Begins in the topmost newest leaves and progressively goes down into the crown
Palm Tree Decline And Death Can Result In...
- Public safety hazards due to falling limbs, fire danger, and flood risk due to water way blockages
- Decreased property value
- Increase air and noise pollution
- Habitat loss for birds and other wildlife
- Loss of ecosystem services including cooling, water filtration, and carbon sequestration.
If you recognize symptoms of SAPW or suspect local palm populations may be affected, please visit the following pages for more information.
Photo Source: Mark Hoddle, University of California, Riverside
