Invasive beetle species in Hawaii can now be identified faster with new genetic test

(Entomological Society of America) Researchers at the University of Hawaii have developed a new genetic-testing method for identifying the invasive coconut rhinoceros beetle, which promises to be much faster than existing physical identification methods. The new tool, reported in the Journal of Economic Entomology, could be a significant step toward keeping the species -- a damaging pest to coconut palm trees that was first seen in Hawaii in 2013 -- from becoming widespread.

Source: EurekAlert! - Biology - January 25, 2017 Category: Biology Source Type: news