Heterothrips

Hood, 1908

Species Guides

2

Heterothrips is a of in the Heterothripidae, containing more than 60 described . The genus has not been adequately defined and species-level relies heavily on morphological characters. Many species are associated with flowers of specific plants, including economically important fruit trees and ornamental species. The genus is distributed primarily in the Neotropics, with documented diversity in Central America, Brazil, Argentina, and Chile.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Heterothrips: /ˌhɛtəˈrɒθrɪps/

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Identification

identification relies on detailed examination of antennal , pronotal sculpturing, and presence or absence of specialized setal structures. For example, H. lankesteriensis is distinguished by setose behind the , a character shared only with H. pubescens; these two species are then separated by pronotal and metanotal sculpturing. Antennal segment shape and coloration provide additional diagnostic characters—segment IV may be truncated versus rounded, or segments III–IV may be pale versus dark.

Habitat

Flowers of trees and shrubs; ornamental plants. Specific records include flowers of Myrtaceae fruit trees, Malpighiaceae ornamentals, and Fabaceae .

Distribution

Neotropical region. Documented from Central America, Brazil, Argentina (Mendoza), and Chile.

Host Associations

  • Myrtaceae - flowers of fruit treesH. lopezae and related
  • Malpighiaceae - flowers of ornamental plantsH. lankesteriensis, H. pilarae; includes Tricomaria usillo
  • Fabaceae - flowersH. stellae from Prosopis alpataco; also Peixotoa tomentosa in Brazil

Human Relevance

Some are associated with flowers of fruit tree crops of economic importance, though specific impacts on agriculture have not been documented in the available sources.

Similar Taxa

  • ScutothripsBoth belong to Heterothripidae; Scutothrips contains only four and is distinguished by specific morphological characters not detailed in available sources
  • LenkothripsThe third in Heterothripidae; contains a single from South America and is presumably distinguished by restricted distribution and unique

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