Klambothrips myopori

Mound & Morris, 2007

Naio Thrips

Klambothrips myopori is a gall-forming in the Phlaeothripidae, described by Mound and Morris in 2007. Native to Australia and New Zealand, it invaded California in 2005 and has since become established in Hawaii and the contiguous United States. The is obligately associated with Myoporum plants, inducing galls on foliage. It has emerged as a significant pest of ornamental plantings in California, with documented variation in host plant suitability across different Myoporum cultivars.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Klambothrips myopori: /ˈklæmboʊˌθrɪps maɪˈoʊpəri/

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Identification

As a member of Phlaeothripidae, this can be distinguished from other by the presence of an aptergite ( on the eighth abdominal segment) and a tube-like terminal abdominal segment. Species-level identification requires examination of antennal segmentation, chaetotaxy, and male genitalia. Within Klambothrips, K. myopori is distinguished by its specific association with Myoporum plants and gall . Distinguishing it from congeneric species and other gall-forming thrips on Myoporum requires taxonomic examination.

Habitat

Associated with Myoporum shrubs and ground covers in urban and ornamental landscapes. In its invaded range, found in southern California where Myoporum laetum and cultivars such as 'Pacificum' are planted. plant suitability varies: successfully colonizes M. laetum and M. 'Pacificum', fails to complete development on M. 'Clean n Green' and M. 'Putah Creek'.

Distribution

Native to Australia and New Zealand. Introduced to North America: first detected in California in 2005. Established in Hawaii and the conterminous 48 United States. Predicted by CLIMEX modeling to have potential for establishment in many regions globally.

Diet

Phytophagous; feeds exclusively on Myoporum (Lamiales: Scrophulariaceae).

Host Associations

Myoporum laetum - primary Most suitable ; extensive damage observed
Myoporum 'Pacificum' - Suitable ; damage observed
Myoporum 'Clean n Green' - unsuitable Development failed in laboratory trials
Myoporum 'Putah Creek' - unsuitable Development failed in laboratory trials

Life Cycle

Development from to occurs between 15°C and 35.5°C. Temperature-dependent developmental rates have been modeled; the Briere-1 model best describes cumulative life stage development. Specific instar durations and voltinism not documented in available sources.

Behavior

Induces galls on plant foliage. Exhibits host plant recognition , with demonstrated preference for certain Myoporum cultivars in laboratory and field trials. Second-instar larvae appear most vulnerable to .

Ecological Role

Herbivore; gall inducer. Serves as prey for a diverse complex in California, including insects from five orders and spiders from five . Documented predators include Orius spp. (Anthocoridae), Chrysoperla spp. (Chrysopidae), syrphid larvae, Franklinothrips orizabensis (Aeolothripidae), and Salticidae spiders.

Human Relevance

pest of ornamental Myoporum plantings in California. Causes extensive damage to susceptible cultivars, particularly M. laetum and M. 'Pacificum'. Subject to research; Orius insidiosus and Chrysoperla rufilabris identified as potential agents, with both displaying functional responses that suggest efficacy at low pest densities.

Similar Taxa

Other PhlaeothripidaeMay induce similar gall ; requires microscopic examination of morphological characters for differentiation
Other Klambothrips species may occur on related plants; boundaries require taxonomic assessment

More Details

Predator Functional Responses

Orius insidiosus displays a Type II to K. myopori, while Chrysoperla rufilabris displays both Type II and Type III responses depending on prey stage. Both consume more second-instar larvae than other stages and consume higher proportions of prey at lower pest densities, suggesting optimal release timing early in the growing season when are low.

Invasive History

First recorded in California in 2005; subsequent spread to Hawaii and other parts of the contiguous United States. CLIMEX modeling predicts substantial global potential, though Maxent predictions differ.