Staghorn Fern Beetle (Halticorcus platycerii)

We've had this fern for over 20 years and have never before seen such devastation. These little beetles appeared from nowhere and within 3 weeks decimated the fronds leaving thin brown strips.
They've disappeared and hope they do not return.
We have not noticed any significant factor that would have brought this on.... still researching.
H. patycerii is the only known Chrysomelid to be restricted to ferns (Filicopsida & Pteridophyta).

comments (5)

Christine Young

Lion

Oh no! I hope your plant recovers! Posted 4 years ago
1. Leuba Ridgway
  
  Lion
  
  We hope so too Christine. Thanks. At the moment it is just a bunch of brown stringy fronds. However, I've seen a few fresh blades sticking out of a few shields. I might have to chop some of the dry blades - needs more research. Posted 4 years ago
2. 1. Christine Young
    
    Lion
    
    Good luck! Posted 4 years ago

Janie

Green Fly

Hi I am wondering how your plant recovered and if you have any tips to get rid of staghorn beetle bug. We have the same problem , they are all over our staghorn . Any help would be appreciated ! Posted 3 years ago
1. Leuba Ridgway
  
  Lion
  
  Hi Janie, So so sorry to hear about your staghorn. Unfortunately I have no advice for you-ours has suffered much and we have just a couple of fronds left. I couldn't find any remedies on the Net. We are hoping that the beetles will disappear this winter and not come back. I can't find larvae or pupae on the leaves and hope that they are not on the ground.
  We have had the staghorn for over 15 years and never seen the beetle before. If I find any solution I'll post it here. I hope your plant recovers soon..
  Just found this : https://www.appsnet.org/Publications/Kerruish/PP3.pdf Info on Page 134 Posted 3 years ago, modified 3 years ago