Figures

Fig. 1 Antenna, head and thorax
Fig. 2 Head, thorax, fore and hind wing
Fig. 3 Tergite VIII

Species

Biology

Predatory on mites as well as on other thrips on a wide range of herbs and trees.

Distribution

Recorded from many parts of the world, but several similar looking species have been described and so species level identifications within the genus may not always be reliable.

Recognition

Medium sized yellowish white thrips with 3 small dark markings on each forewing. Antennae 8-segmented, sense cones on III & IV forked and long. Head with one pair of setae in front of fore ocellus, and one pair of very long setae on anterior margins of ocellar triangle. Pronotum with 6 pairs of very long setae; 2 pairs on anterior margin, one pair on lateral margin, 2 pairs of posteroangular setae, and one pair on posterior margin. Metanotum weakly reticulate, median setae at anterior margin. Forewing first and second veins with complete row of widely spaced setae. Tergite VIII without a posteromarginal comb. Sternites without discal setae.

Related species

About 18 species are described in this genus, but many of these are difficult to identify. Only the Oriental species, S. asura, is readily distinguished, with its sharply bicoloured body, brown and white, and red internal pigment.