Species Assemblages of Palm Weevils (Rhynchophorus spp.) in Three Different Coconut Plantations in Western Sarawak, Malaysia

A study on the species assemblages of palm weevils was conducted in three different coconut plantations in Western Sarawak, Malaysia, which included Beliong, Kota Samarahan and Lundu districts, respectively, from December 2019 until February 2020. Pheromone traps and food-baited traps were deployed during this study. Total of nine individuals representing Rhynchophorus vulneratus (Red Stripe Weevil) were recorded while one individual was suspected to be R. ferrugineus (Red Palm Weevil). This study suggests that the differences in colour and markings on the elytra of R. ferrugineus captured may be influenced by environmental factors. The damages caused by Rhynchophorus species towards coconut trees in this study were also documented. Based on the Chi-Square analysis (X2 (6, N = 10) = 12.59, p = 0.34), the preference of Rhynchophorus spp. toward the type of treatments is independent. Further studies or repetition should be conducted to consider longer trapping days and additional sampling areas.