August 2010. A question from Andhra Pradesh, India about the pest status of Sylvanus sp. on oil palm. It was recently observed feeding on the unopened leaf tip causing death. The insect has only been reported as a pest of stored grain previously.

Later, the sender wrote to say that the insect was identified only as Sylvanus. It was sent for identification, as it resembled Brontispa. Damage is always observed along with leaf rot symptoms, and it is now doubted whether it is a pest, either secondary or primary. Some photos were sent.