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 plant . Unlike several , it is not a of Tomato spotted wilt virus and is considered a pest of secondary economic importance. It can be difficult to distinguish from similar Frankliniella 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 Frankliniella . It may be confused with Frankliniella bispinosa and Frankliniella occidentalis, both capable of Tomato spotted wilt virus. The species has strap-like wings edged with long hairs, a wing design that increases aerodynamic in very small arthropods.

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 plant ; pollen is a major food source. May also digest cells of fungi in leaf litter.

Ecological Role

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

Human Relevance

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

Similar Taxa

Frankliniella occidentalisWestern flower thrips; capable of Tomato spotted wilt virus; distribution extends throughout the United States and Canada rather than being restricted east of the Rocky Mountains
Frankliniella bispinosaCapable of Tomato spotted wilt virus; occurs in Florida and may be confused with F. tritici
Frankliniella fuscaTobacco thrips; 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 wilt virus and is considered a pest of secondary importance. The '' is often applied generically to numerous Frankliniella , causing confusion.