About Coconut Rhinoceros Beetles

The Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB) is a pest that can cause damage to coconut, royal, date, and fan palms. If their preferred food sources are not available they can shift to other palms and tropical crops. CRB use their front legs and horn to dig into the crown of trees and feed on the juices in the inner spear using their sucking mouth parts.

The initial sighting of the coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB), Oryctes rhinoceros, occurred on O'ahu in December 2013. Originating from Southeast Asia, mature CRBs consume young palm fronds, inflicting damage that frequently proves fatal to the plant.

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When CRB populations extend beyond their native habitats, they pose significant threats to palm species integral to cultural legacy, agricultural practices, ecological balance, and economic stability.