Heterothripidae

Bagnall, 1912

Genus Guides

1

is a of thrips in the order Thysanoptera comprising approximately 6 and at least 70 described . The family is restricted to the Neotropical region. Two distinct life strategies occur within the family: flower-associated species in the genera Heterothrips and Lenkothrips, and ectoparasitic species in Aulacothrips that feed on -tended hemipterans.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Heterothripidae: /ˌhɛtəroʊˈθraɪpɪˌdiː/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Habitat

Flowers of various plants; -tended of hemipterans (for Aulacothrips). Documented host plant include Myrtaceae, Malpighiaceae, and Fabaceae.

Distribution

Neotropical region: Central America, South America (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, French Guiana).

Host Associations

  • Myrtaceae - flower associationfruit tree crops
  • Malpighiaceae - flower associationornamental plants and Tricomaria usillo
  • Fabaceae - flower associationProsopis alpataco
  • Membracidae (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha) - ectoparasitismAulacothrips

Behavior

Aulacothrips are of gregarious -tended treehoppers and other honeydew-producing Hemiptera. Some Heterothrips species have been observed coexisting with ants in flowers.

Sources and further reading