Figures
Fig. 1 Antenna, head, thorax and abdomen
Fig. 2 Head, pro-, meso- and metanotum
Fig. 3 Fore wing
Fig. 4 Tergite VIII (female)
Species
Chaetanaphothrips orchidii Bagnall
Biology
Although commonly associated with orchids and bananas, this species is now established as a pest of citrus fruits in Florida. However, little is known of its host specificity or life history in other parts of the world.
Distribution
Widespread in the tropics and subtropics, also in greenhouses in temperate regions, but presumably originally from south east Asia.
Recognition
Small yellow thrips, forewings dark with sub-basal and apical areas pale; antennal segments IV-VI yellow with apex brown. Head with no setae close to first ocellus. Antennae 8-segmented, segments VII & VIII forming a slender style. Pronotum with two pairs of short but prominent posteroangular setae. Metanotum weakly reticulate medially, median setae far behind anterior margin. Tergites and sternites with a weak craspedum. Tergite VIII spiracular area extending forward to antecostal ridge.
Related species
About 20 species are now know in this genus, mostly from south east Asia, but with three species widespread around the tropics as pests (see C. signipennis).