Heterospilus
Guides
Pachymerus nucleorum
Coconut Borer
Pachymerus nucleorum is a bruchine seed beetle that develops within palm seeds, primarily attacking species in the Arecaceae family. Larvae feed on endosperm inside hard-shelled fruits, with documented hosts including babassu palm (Attalea/Orbinya spp.), licuri palm (Syagrus coronata), and queen palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana). The species occurs in Brazilian biomes including Caatinga and Atlantic Forest remnants, where it functions as a primary seed predator. Adults are subject to parasitism by braconid wasps, particularly Heterospilus prosopodis. The species has been observed in both natural vegetation and managed habitats, with parasitism rates varying by habitat complexity.