Homalinotus coriaceus, also known as the black coconut bunch weevil, is a species of weevil belonging to the family
Curculionidae. This species can be found in Brazil.[1] This beetle is a
pest species that affects
coconut cultivation, due to its lifecycle and feeding habits.[2]
Ecology
Due to the damage H. coriaceus can inflict on coconut trees, it is considered a major pest in Brazil. Larvae will tunnel into the
peduncles of the coconut tree, feeding on the
sap.[3] Likewise, adults will often damage the flowers and fruit tissues.[4] Since both life states of H. coriaceus promote the death of the fruit and flowers of the coconut tree, it has been estimated to have reduced
coconut production in Brazil by 50%.[5]
Morphology
Black coconut bunch weevils are black and range between 25 and 30 millimetres (0.98 and 1.18 in) long with a
rostrum of approximately 8 millimetres (0.31 in),[6][7] the mature larvae are white, curved, bigger than the adult-beetle with 40 to 50 millimetres (1.6 to 2.0 in) in length and display a rust-tinted head.[8] The eggs laid on the floral
peduncle are white, smooth, and elongated.[7] This species has little to no
sexual dimorphism, where females are a bit larger than males and have two subtle indentations on the
pronotum.[8]