Tropical nut borer

Damage to a macadamia shell. Image: Vincent P Jones

Hypothenemus obscurus is an exotic beetle that attacks the nuts of macadamia The most important pest to macadamia production in Hawaii It can damage up to 60% of the crop in heavily infested areas where harvesting is not strictly managed Damage is usually seen as abundant 0.5 mm holes in the husk of the nut Extensive tunnelling is visible throughout the husk, shell and kernel Damaged kernels are open to further spoiling through fungal infection. The beetles are very small and up to 190 have been found in a single macadamia nut Widespread in North America (including Hawaii), Central and South America where it attacks several tree species

High priority pest of: Macadamias

Scientific name: Hypothenemus obscurus
EPPRD Category:
Life Form: Beetles & weevils (COLEOPTERA)

Pest Documents

FS: fact sheet

CP: contingency plan

DP: diagnostic protocol