Caliothrips cinctipennis

Distinguished from predaceous banded thrips (Aeolothrips spp., family Aeolothripidae) by wing banding pattern: Caliothrips cinctipennis shows humeral and post-median white bands, whereas Aeolothrips fasciatus displays humeral, median, and apical bands. Distinguished from other Caliothrips species by details of elytral banding; some sources note solid dark versus medially lightened bands as diagnostic for distinguishing South American populations, though taxonomic status remains debated.

Agricultural fields, particularly soybean (Glycine max) plantings. Adults and nymphs occur primarily on the lower leaf surfaces, which provide protected feeding sites. Dry conditions favor population increases.

Recorded from Illinois, USA, and broadly from North and South America. Specific distribution details are sparse beyond these continental records.

Phytophagous; feeds on plant tissues, specifically documented as a pest of soybean (Glycine max). Feeding occurs on leaf surfaces, with damage visible as discolored patches.

• Glycine max - primary hostsoybean; major agricultural pest in South American soybean-growing regions

Egg to egg in approximately 2 weeks under favorable conditions. Development includes: egg; first- and second-instar nymphs (feeding stages); third-instar propupa (quiescent); fourth-instar pupa (quiescent); adult. Only early instars feed; later instars are non-feeding, transitional stages. This pattern represents an intermediate condition between incomplete and complete metamorphosis.

Feeds on protected lower leaf surfaces. Adults and nymphs deposit shiny black fecal globs on leaf hairs; function of this behavior is uncertain but may involve avoiding spoilage of feeding surfaces or defensive purposes. Short life cycle allows rapid population increase when conditions are favorable.

Herbivore; documented as a significant agricultural pest in soybean production. High populations can cause substantial feeding damage to crops. Serves as prey for predatory insects including ladybird beetles (Coccinellidae), such as Eriopis connexa in Argentine soybean fields.

Agricultural pest of economic importance, particularly in South American soybean production. Control is problematic due to: short life cycle enabling rapid population growth, preference for protected feeding locations on lower leaf surfaces, and lack of registered chemical insecticides labeled for use on soybean. Population surges have been documented in the Humid Pampas region of Argentina during dry conditions.

• Caliothrips phaseoliClosely related species with similar morphology and ecology; taxonomic relationship disputed—some sources treat as distinct species, others as synonyms or conspecific populations. C. phaseoli is the name most commonly applied in economic literature on soybean thrips.
• Caliothrips fasciatusSimilar banded appearance; some sources suggest C. phaseoli may be a synonym of C. fasciatus, though abdominal sculpturing differences have been noted. Less commonly reported as a soybean pest in Argentina.
• Aeolothrips fasciatusPredatory thrips with similar black-and-white banded wing pattern, but family Aeolothripidae. Distinguished by three white bands (humeral, median, apical) versus two in Caliothrips, and by predatory rather than phytophagous habits.
• Echinothrips americanusPoinsettia thrips with banded wings, but typically shows a distinct white band only at wing base rather than alternating bands throughout; associated with different host plants.

• Thysanoptera
• Thripidae
• phytophagous
• soybean pest
• agricultural pest
• Neotropical
• Nearctic

• BugGuide
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life
• Thripidae | Beetles In The Bush
• Eriopis connexa on soybean in Argentina | Beetles In The Bush
• ID Challenge #6 | Beetles In The Bush