Global distribution of the date stone beetle, Coccotrypes dactyliperda (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae)

Abstract

The paper presents a compilation of the documented occurrence of the date stone beetle Coccotrypes dactyliperda across the globe. The data presented here have been compiled based on an exhaustive search of academic journal databases, collections presented in research portals and digitised holdings of national libraries. A visualisation of the global distribution shows that the presence of Coccotrypes dactyliperda is circumscribed by climatic factors.

Dispersal of the date stone beetle Coccotrypes dactyliperda (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Scolytinae) in a managed rural landscape

“…Initially distributed in the Middle East and North Africa as part of the date palm horticultural complex, the distribution range of the species has seen a remarkable increase during the nineteenth century, mainly due to the trade in dates as fruit for human consumption; the distribution of palm seeds (in particular Phoenix canariensis) for horticultural endeavours; and in the form of vegetable ivory for button manufacture. Today, C. dactyliperda has become a true cosmopolitan species that can be found in most subtropical and temperate zones (Spennemann, 2018b). The dispersal of the beetle is effected by external transport of an inhabited seed or via movement of the beetle itself.…”