[Aim]  To analyze latitudinal variability in the reproductive behavior of the red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, in order to reveal adaptations that could facilitate the continued northward invasion of this pest. [Methods]  Cocoons of the Nanchang population of R. ferrugineus were collected in the field, and adult emergence, mating, and oviposition behavior were recorded to analyze and compare the timing, frequency, and number of these behaviors. The same data on three other populations (Wenchang, Nanning and Fuzhou) were collected from the literature. After sorting and processing the data, the reproductive behavior of these four populations was compared using statistical tests, such as the Run test and Mann-Whitney U test. [Results]  The temporal rhythm of mating and oviposition in populations from subtropical regions (such as Nanchang and Nanning) were significantly different to those of other populations. A Run test analysis of a non-random 24 h time series indicates that these populations had a significantly higher mating rate during the light phase (daytime) than during the dark phase (night). The oviposition peak of the Nanchang population took place from 13:00 to 19:00, whereas no significant mating, or oviposition rhythm, was observed in populations from tropical locations (such as Wenchang). Adult emergence had no significant temporal pattern. Mating duration ranged from 1 second to 1 325 seconds, with a 75% quantile of 103 seconds. There was a significant positive correlation between the number of eggs laid by females and the duration of the pre-mating period and mating. However, there was no significant correlation between mating frequency and the number of eggs number laid. [Conclusion]  Our results indicate that the red palm weevil is capable of adapting its reproductive behavior, such as changing its mating or oviposition rhythm, which may facilitate its establishment at higher latitudes in China. These findings suggest that the red palm weevil is not confined to tropical, or sub-tropical, regions and that effective control of this pest will therefore require monitoring at higher latitudes north of the Yangtze River.