Eggs are laid in the spring inside the folds of new palm leaflets which serve to protect the eggs until they hatch. Eggs hatch after eight or nine days and the insects reach adulthood in about a month, about the same time that it takes a royal palm to produce a new leaf. After hatching, the bugs begin to feed on the new leaf producing yellow spots on the lower leaf surface. Large numbers of bugs feeding on one leaf can cause it to develop brownish streaks, wilt and finally turn gray. Adults have red eyes, are light yellow in color and have wings.
Young bugs are identical in appearance except that they lack wings.
Controlling Royal Palm Bugs Insecticides are effective against royal palm bugs. Direct application, though, can be difficult in the case of extremely tall royal palms. It doesn t help that the bugs rarely attack trees under 12 feet in height. Consult a tree care specialist for details and procedures. As always when using insecticides, use caution and follow directions carefully.