Chilli thrips

Definition

A minute, invasive pest thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis, order Thysanoptera) native to Asia that has spread globally since the early 2000s, causing severe economic damage to diverse crops through feeding on new growth and flower buds and by transmitting tospoviruses. Adults and larvae scar leaves, flowers, and fruit with characteristic brown, vein-aligned markings, reducing market value and potentially killing stressed plants.

Etymology

From the crop 'chilli' (Capsicum peppers), a principal host, plus 'thrips', the common name for insects in the order Thysanoptera.

Example

Chilli thrips infestations in Florida rose nurseries produce distinctive russeted scarring on developing petals and calyxes, rendering flowers unmarketable.

Synonyms

• yellow tea thrips

Related Terms

• Scirtothrips dorsalis
• Thysanoptera
• tospovirus
• Vector
• Invasive species
• pest thrips
• feeding scar
• new growth preference

Usage Notes

The common name refers specifically to Scirtothrips dorsalis, not to thrips found on chillies generally. The spelling 'chilli' predominates in entomological literature, though 'chili' appears in some regional sources. The species is frequently cited as an exemplar of rapid global range expansion by a small polyphagous insect. Vector status for tospoviruses remains debated; some sources emphasize confirmed transmission while others question field efficiency.