Figures

Fig. 1 Antenna, head and thorax
Fig. 2 Fore and hind wing

Species

Selenothrips rubrocinctus Giard

Biology

This slow moving species feeds on the older leaves of a wide range of plants. Large populations seem to be associated particularly with trees that are suffering from water stress.

Distribution

Presumably African in origin, it is now established throughout the tropics, including northern Australia.

Recognition

Medium sized, blackish-brown thrips with very dark forewings. Antennae 8-segmented, segments III & IV with long forked sense cones, IV with an elongate apical neck. Head with a strongly constricted basal neck. Metanotum with distinctive median triangle of sculpture. Forewings with two rows of long, dark, widely-spaced, setae. Abdominal tergite VIII with posteromarginal comb of long regular microtrichia.

Related species

This is the only species in the genus Selenothrips.