Attack by Augosoma centaurus (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae) adults on rattan palm Laccosperma secundiflorum (Arecaceae) in Plateaux Batéké, Gabon
Journal Title: African Journal of Tropical Entomology Research - Year 2023, Vol 2, Issue 3
Abstract
An unusual phenomenon consisting of attacks once every two years by adults of a horned beetle on the rattan palm Laccosperma secundiflorum (Arecaceae) (known as ‘French palmier-asperge’) was observed in the Plateaux Batéké (Gabon) over the past decade. Residents reported repeated devastation of rattan palm from May to June, pointing to Pandanus beetle as the pest killing many shoots within populations of this palm species, which is used as a non-timber forest product (NTFP) for alimentary purposes. The ecological area of these attacks includes gallery forests and groves surrounding Ossouele village and neighbouring villages across the border in Congo Brazzaville. The insect fed on and destroyed the rattan heart, starting at its tip, leading to the deterioration and death of L. secundiflorum. Our observations in 2022 allowed us to identify Augosoma centaurus (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae) as the insect pest devastating this climbing palm, reducing the resource quality and quantity for household consumption and trade. Further studies are needed to increase our understanding of the trophic relationship between the pest and its new adult host/feeding plant.
Authors and Affiliations
Poligui René Noel, Apinda Legnouo Emelie Arlette & Zandi Henri
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP725732
- DOI 10.58697/AJTER020321
- Views 50
- Downloads 0
Situation of smoked freshwater fish sold in the markets of Yaoundé city (Central Region of Cameroon) and evaluation of control methods against their insect pests during storage
The smoking, storage and conservation of smoked fish remain the most efficient means of ensuring the almost permanent availability of seasonal fishing products. However, stored smoked fish can be infested by insect pests...
Entomophagy in the Democratic Republic of Congo: Challenges and Ways Forward for the Edible Insect Sector
An overview is given on recent developments in insects as food by reviewing the literature which has appeared during the last few years on edible insects in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). An outlook to the fut...
Les insectes : un problème mais aussi une solution pour l’Afrique
L’intérêt accordé aux insectes ces derniers temps est vraiment spectaculaire. Certains les considèrent comme nuisibles, développent les moyens efficaces de lutte pour préserver les cultures, les denrées alimentaires mais...
Concerning some taxonomic confusions in African edible caterpillars
Edible insects, and in particular edible caterpillars, occupy a strategic place in the fight against hunger and malnutrition on a global scale. It is essential that the different species are correctly identified to ens...
Cartographie de l’élimination de l’onchocercose à Aboisso : gîtes de développement de Simulium damnosum s. l. (Theobald, 1903) et sites sentinelles probables
Dans la région d’Aboisso, en zone forestière au Sud-Est de la Côte d’Ivoire, les gîtes de développement larvaire de Simulium damnosum s. l. (Theobald, 1903) ont été prospectés, géoréférencés et les sites sentinelles pour...