A spermophagous bark beetle (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), Dactylotrypes longicollis (Wollaston), indigenous to the Canary Islands and Madeira, is documented from North America for the first time other than via occasional interceptions in imported palm seeds. Specimens were initially found in Lindgren funnel traps at two arboreta in southern California in 2009. Dead specimens were subsequently found in the fallen seeds of Brazilian needle palm, Trithrinax brasiliensis Martius (Arecaceae), at one of the arboreta. This palm is a new host record for this beetle previously known from several other genera of palms and Dracaena draco (Linnaeus) (Ruscaceae). Based upon the distribution of known and potential hosts, D. longicollis will probably be restricted to the vicinity of the southern border of the United States in North America and possibly greenhouses. As it only attacks the seeds of palms and related plants, it is unlikely to become a pest in North America. Since specimens were found in traps at two localities and from seeds at one site, we believe D. longicollis is established in North America.