The red palm weevil, or Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, is like a devil himself for palm trees.
Beautiful finery of Dubrovnik disappear, one by one, dried from the attack of this unusual beetle, known also as the Asian palm weevil or sago palm weevil.
Originally from tropical Asia, the red palm weevil has spread to Africa and Europe, reaching the Mediterranean in the 1980s. It was first recorded in Spain, then France, later in Malta and Italy. Now it is attacking the palms of Dubrovnik.
We are particularly sad because of a palm tree nearby city walls, the one almost everybody who was taking the walking tour photographed.
It belonged to family Muhoberac, and Mrs. Iga told us the story about this palm. It was brought by her husband, Mr. Bodo, as the wedding gift years and years ago. Sadly, now the palm is completely destroyed.
But, Mrs. Iga says with the smile: ‘Palm is dead, but our love isn’t!’.
Original story: DuList.hr
Photo Credit of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus: Wikipedia.org