First record of Rhynchophorus palmarum (Linnaeus, 1758) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) infesting Phoenix canariensis H. Wildpret (Arecales: Arecaceae) in the Central Valleys of Oaxaca, Mexico

Abstract

The “South American palm weevil” (SAPW), Rhynchophorus palmarum (Linnaeus) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is an economically important pest of several palm species that is widely distributed in the Neotropics. The Central Valleys region of Oaxaca, Mexico, surrounded by the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca and the Sierra Madre del Sur mountain ranges, was historically considered free of R. palmarum; however, symptoms suggestive of SAPW infestation were recently observed in Phoenix canariensis H. Wildpret palms, a common ornamental plant within the landscape. This study aimed to identify and evaluate the impact of this pest on P. canariensis palms in the aforementioned region. Between 2019 and 2022, a total of 60 palms were inspected, the presence of R. palmarum was visually confirmed in 40 palms, and 46 showed characteristic signs of weevil infestation. Infested palms were found in the Centro, Ejutla, Ocotlán, Tlacolula and Zimatlán districts. The identity of R. palmarum was confirmed by collecting adults and immature stages. This research confirms that the SAPW is infesting P. canariensis palms in the Central Valleys region of Oaxaca, thus endangering the sustainability of agricultural and natural ecosystems within the region.