Figures

Fig. 1 Head, thorax and abdomen

Species

Biology

An active predator of the larvae of other thrips species on the leaves of trees, this thrips is a remarkable ant-mimic in its movements.

Distribution

Widespread in North, Central and South America, this species is known from Fiji and might possibly be found in imports from the Pacific Islands.

Recognition

A very large dark brown thrips with exceptionally long antennae and slender banded forewings. Antennae 9-segmented, segment III longer than head width, VIII & IX short; sensorium on III & IV forming an elongate reticulate area along more than half of these segments. Head broad and slightly recessed into broad anterior margin of pronotum. Metanotum with no sculpture. Forewing unusually slender, largely dark with a pale band medially and at base. Abdominal segments III-III almost white, thus producing the appearance of a 'wasp-waist'. Sternites III-VI with 2 pairs of marginal setae and 2 pairs of discal setae laterally.

Related species

Eleven species are now known in this genus, from various parts of the tropics, but with two species known only from Australia (Mound & Marullo, 1998). This species is unusual in having the tenth abdominal segment yellow in contrast to the dark brown of the ninth segment.