Neohydatothrips samayunkur

(Kudo, 1995)

marigold thrips, French marigold thrips

Neohydatothrips samayunkur is a in the , commonly known as the marigold thrips. It is an economically significant pest of Tagetes species (marigolds), feeding on flowers and leaves. The species has a broad intercontinental distribution spanning Africa, Australia, Europe, Northern Asia, Central America, and North America. Originally described by Kudo in 1995 and validated by Nakahara in 1999, it has been intercepted at U.S. ports and represents a new country record for Egypt.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Neohydatothrips samayunkur: /ˈniː.oʊˌhaɪdətoʊˌθrɪps ˌsæməˈjʊŋkər/

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

Habitat

Associated with cultivated and ornamental marigold plants (Tagetes spp.), inhabiting flowers and leaves.

Distribution

Africa, Australia, Europe and Northern Asia (excluding China), Central America, North America, India (6 states), Egypt, Japan, Kenya, Florida, Hawaii.

Diet

Feeds on flowers and leaves of Tagetes , including Tagetes erecta (African marigold).

Host Associations

Tagetes erecta - primary African marigold; primary cultivated in Egypt and other regions
Tagetes spp. - primary -level association; feeds on flowers and leaves
Jasminum sambac - associatedCollected from flowers in Assam, India; may represent occasional association or misidentification context

Ecological Role

pest; causes damage to ornamental and potentially agricultural through feeding on floral and foliar tissues.

Human Relevance

Economic pest of ornamental marigold ; subject to interception indicating potential for spread; may reduce aesthetic and market value of Tagetes .

Similar Taxa

Neohydatothrips variabilisCongeneric soybean with similar minute size and slender body form; distinguished by association (soybean vs. marigold) and specific morphological characters of the
Neohydatothrips gracilipesCongeneric associated with weedy Sida species and historically reported from cotton; differs in relationships and geographic distribution patterns

More Details

Quarantine significance

Intercepted at U.S. ports, indicating regulatory concern for potential establishment and spread in new regions.

Taxonomic history

Originally described by Kudo in 1995; validated and clarified by Nakahara in 1999. The specific epithet 'samayunkur' derives from the original description.