Abstract
The coccinellid beetle (Chilocorus nigritus (Fabricius), Coccinellidae: Coleoptera) was successfully introduced from India during 1985, as a biocontrol agent against the coconut scale insect (Aspidiotus destructor Sign, Diaspididae: Homoptera) which infests coconut palms in south Oman. A total of 683 adults of C. nigritus were released during Jan to Apr 1985. The data obtained show the rapid build-up of the predators and the subsequent decline in the host population. After 24 months from the last release (Apr 1985) the median number of coconut scale insects per leaf area decreased to the minimum number, since it ranged between zero and 49 multiplied by 7 scales, while it ranged between 174 multiplied by 8 and 285 multiplied by 0 scales before release of the predator.