March 2005. A cycas grower in Malaysia asked what was the identification of the beetles infesting Cycas revoluta bulbs.

A nitidulid expert at CSIRO, Australia, suggests that the beetle is probably a Carpophilus or related genus of Nitidulidae, but the photos are too poor to be sure.

It was also said, by a member who works on cycad-associated weevils, that it is unusual to come across damage to cycads caused by nitidulids. These beetles live in soft, decomposing plant matter of various kind (usually rotting fruits such as mango or pineapple) and would not be able to damage a healthy cycad plant. It may mean that there is some other cause for the decline of the plants (probably physical or horticultural, but perhaps also damage by other insects), and the nitidulids are secondary. They would not be able to “attack” cycads if they are otherwise healthy.