The Red Palm Weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) is called the Picudo rojo in Castellano. Whatever you call this little beetle, its larvae is a menace, causing harm to a large number of palm trees on this island. The insect eats its way into the heart of the palm tree, ultimately causing its death. Thousands of Mallorcan palm trees have already fallen victim to this plague.

There is no known cure as yet to this little devil. A chemical douse is to no avail, apparently. The only answer seems to be the felling of the infected palm tree, as shown in the photo, to avoid a spreading of the beetle or its larvae to other palm trees in the larger vicinity. One beetle can lay up to 100 eggs; imagine the possible infections.  

The photo was chosen from my archive. It was taken in Felanitx, Spain. The date: March 12th, 2007. The time was 11:35:18.