Studies on <i>Theraptus</i> sp. (Coreidae); the Cause of the Gumming Disease of Coconuts in East Africa

Abstract

Theraptus sp. is widespread in the coastal region of British East Africa where it severely damages developing coconut fruits. The female may lay over 100 eggs. There are five nymphal instars and, in the field, it is probable that about nine generations are produced each year. Damage to coconuts is similar to that caused by Amblypelta cocophaga China in the Solomon Islands. Female coconut flowers and young nuts may be destroyed by a single feeding puncture. Damaged 10–16-week-old nuts may reach maturity but are undersized and often distorted by lesions from which gummy material exudes.