**2.3 Sampling techniques and prospecting the crown of palm**

During the exploration of the palm crown, using a scaffold (**Figure 2A**), a number of larvae (white grubs) sluggish and arched with strong mandibles were harvested at the base of green and/or dead rachis. Similarly, insect larvae were removed from the base of green and dried palms for laboratory breeding in incubators with controlled conditions of temperature, humidity and photoperiod. Dead rachis (**Figure 2B** and **C**) were brought back to the laboratory to explore them further and also put them in terrariums to ensure the follow-up and development of the larvae trapped inside the hope of having imagos (adult forms). Identification of larvae was performed according to the key proposed by Mico and Galante [36].
