Would the date stone beetle Coccotrypes dactyliperda (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) infest almond (Prunus dulcis) crops?

Abstract

ABSTRACT Isolated nineteenth and early twentieth century observations found that date stone beetles, Coccotrypes dactyliperda Fabricius would feed on and breed in almonds. As spermatophagus C. dactyliperda could pose a threat to the almond industry, beetles were offered four different almond varieties in a controlled feeding experiment. The almonds were universally rejected, seemingly contradicting previous observations. Directions for further research are suggested, examining lineage-based gustatory preferences and whether almonds packaged for human consumption are vulnerable while natural and freshly shelled almonds are not.