Frankliniella tritici

(Fitch, 1855)

eastern flower thrips, flower thrips

, the eastern , is one of the most abundant flower thrips in the eastern United States. It inhabits blossoms of wild and cultivated plants, including dandelion, and feeds by extracting nutrients directly from individual . Unlike several , it is not a of Tomato spotted virus and is considered a pest of secondary economic importance. It can be difficult to distinguish from similar species without microscopic examination.

Thrips tritici by Howard, L. O. (Leland Ossian), 1857-1950. Used under a Public domain license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Frankliniella tritici: //fɹæŋklɪˈnɪlə ˈtɹɪtɪˌsaɪ//

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

Identification

Microscopic examination is required for reliable identification from similar . It may be confused with Frankliniella bispinosa and Frankliniella occidentalis, both capable of Tomato spotted virus. The species has strap-like edged with long hairs, a wing design that increases aerodynamic in very small .

Images

Habitat

Flowers of wild and cultivated plants; commonly found on dandelion blossoms and other blooming vegetation.

Distribution

Eastern United States, primarily east of the Rocky Mountains; also recorded from Canada, Japan, Kansas, Wisconsin, and parts of Brazil (Maranhão, Minas Gerais, Pernambuco, Piauí, Tocantins).

Diet

Extracts nutrients directly from individual ; pollen is a major food source. May also digest cells of in leaf litter.

Ecological Role

Pest of secondary economic importance; not a of Tomato spotted virus, unlike related . Serves as for (Orius spp.) and other . Subject to by the nematode Thripinema fuscum.

Human Relevance

Directly damages plants, grasses, trees, and commercial through feeding and . Affects small fruit production including , , blueberries, and blackberries; also impacts alfalfa, oats, beans, and asparagus. Considered a pest of secondary importance compared to virus-vectoring .

Similar Taxa

Frankliniella occidentalisWestern ; capable of Tomato spotted virus; distribution extends throughout the United States and Canada rather than being restricted east of the Rocky Mountains
Frankliniella bispinosaCapable of Tomato spotted virus; occurs in Florida and may be confused with F. tritici
Frankliniella fusca; another with different associations and virus status
Frankliniella vacciniiBlueberry ; another congeneric pest of small fruits

Misconceptions

Despite some sources claiming it tospoviruses, authoritative sources indicate is not a vector of Tomato spotted virus and is considered a pest of secondary importance. The '' is often applied generically to numerous , causing confusion.