Investigations of Rhinoceros Beetles In West Africa

Abstract

In April, 1959, the author was sent by the South Pacific Commission to the countries of Sierra Leone and Nigeria, West Africa, to conduct an investigation of the natural enemies of the various species of Oryctes (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Dynastinae) occurring there . The object of this study was to find and introduce to the islands of the South Pacific suitable parasites and predators of these beetles in order to establish a biological control over the introduced Oryctes rhinoceros Linn. which has become a serious pest of coconut palms in the area.