Aptinothrips stylifer

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

Fig. 3

Figures

Fig. 1 Antenna and head
Fig. 2 Meso- and metanotum
Fig. 3 Tergite VIII and IX (female)

Species

Aptinothrips stylifer Trybom

Biology

This species breeds only on a restricted range of grass species, apparently preferring Deschampsia and Dactylis species, and it is not reported to be a pest.

Distribution

Widespread in Europe and North America, also found in Japan and New Zealand South Island.

Recognition

A wingless yellow species with the apex of the abdomen and terminal antennal segments light brown. Head distinctly longer than wide, with no ocelli; anterior margin overhanging basal antennal segment. Antennae 8-segmented, III & IV with sense cone simple, VIII slightly longer than VII, but VII+VIII shorter than VI. Pronotum with no long setae. Meso and metanota extend full width of pterothorax. Tarsi 2-segmented. Wings never developed. Tergites faintly reticulate, with a pair of pores close to posterior margin; VIII without a marginal comb of microtrichia. Sternites with 10 or more small discal setae.

Related species

Four species are usually recognised in this genus, all wingless and from Europe. The most common and widely dispersed of these is A. rufus, but that has 1-segmented tarsi and the terminal 3 antennal segments fused into a single unit.