South American palm weevil detected in California

On May 9, 2011, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service confirmed the first U.S. detection of the South American palm weevil (Rhynchophorus palmarum), in the San Ysidro area of San Diego, Calif., and initiated delimitation surveys. APHIS is working with the Calif. Dept. of Food & Agriculture and San Diego County in surveying the area of concern to determine the extent of the distribution.

Seven additional detections were made during July and into early August in the same general geographic area of San Ysidro. All detections were found within 2½ miles of the U.S./Mexico border.

South American palm weevil is one of three ‘giant’ palm weevils of the genus Rhynchophorus. It has its origins in Central and South America and is considered an important pest of palms, specifically date and coconut palms.