Scirtothrips dorsalis

Hood, 1919

chilli thrips, yellow tea thrips, castor thrips, Assam thrips, strawberry thrips

is a highly to South or Southeast Asia that has achieved global distribution over the past two decades. It is a significant agricultural pest with an exceptionally broad range spanning vegetables, ornamentals, and fruit . The species is characterized by rapid growth, with development from to completed in approximately two weeks under optimal conditions. Its feeding causes distinctive damage including leaf curling, scarring along leaf , and bronzing to blackening of fruits and flowers. The species has been implicated in transmission of tospoviruses, though its as a remains debated. Genetic evidence indicates S. dorsalis represents a of morphologically similar but genetically distinct lineages.

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Pronunciation

How to pronounce Scirtothrips dorsalis: /ˌskɪrtoʊˈθrɪps dɔːrˈsælɪs/

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Distribution

to South or Southeast Asia (India, Southeast Asia). Established in North America (Florida since 2005, Texas, Hawaii), the Caribbean (St. Vincent, Puerto Rico, Barbados, Jamaica, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago), Central and South America (Suriname, Venezuela), Africa (Côte d'Ivoire, Kenya), and Oceania (Australia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands). Rapidly expanding range through international trade.

Diet

, feeding preferentially on new growth and young tissue.

Host Associations

Capsicum spp. (pepper, chilli) - primary pest Historical association; 'Murda ' on chilli
Solanum melongena (eggplant) - pest
Mangifera indica (mango) - pest
Citrus spp. - pest Includes orange, mandarin
Fragaria × ananassa (strawberry) - pest Emerging significant in Florida
Vitis spp. (grape) - pest
Gossypium spp. (cotton) - pest
Camellia sinensis (tea) - pest Known as ' tea '
Arachis hypogaea (peanut/groundnut) - pest
Vaccinium spp. (blueberry) - pest Emerging in southeastern US
Rosa spp. (rose) - pest Significant ornamental
Ricinus communis (castor) - speculated original Hypothesized ancestral before agricultural expansion
Vitis rotundifolia (muscadine grape) - reproductive wild Non- season in Florida woodland borders
Prunus caroliniana (Laurel cherry) - reproductive wild
Celtis laevigata (sugarberry) - reproductive wild
Bidens pilosa (Spanish needles) - reproductive wild
Ludwigia peruviana (Peruvian water primrose) - reproductive wild
Ambrosia spp. (ragweed) - reproductive wild
Liquidambar styraciflua (sweetgum) - reproductive wild
Quercus nigra (water oak) - reproductive wild

Life Cycle

-like development with two larval followed by two 'false' pupal stages (prepupal and pupal). inserted into tissue, primarily in young leaves and ; gestation 1-3 weeks depending on temperature. Larval stages last 6-7 days total. Prepupal period approximately 24 hours; pupal period 2-3 days to one week. occurs in soil, leaf litter, or humid crevices low on the plant. Development from egg to completed in 14-20 days under optimal conditions (approximately 25°C). Multiple per year in favorable climates.

Behavior

Exhibits strong preference for feeding on new growth and young plants, aggregating on shoots. migrate from older leaves to newer growth after hatching. and nymphs feed in groups. Females demonstrate site selection, preferring young leaves and but expanding to mature leaves as increases. Non-diapausing adults reported to overwinter in soil or apical buds in temperate regions when temperatures fall below critical threshold. occurs through and passive transport via material.

Ecological Role

Agricultural pest causing direct feeding damage and potential virus transmission. Implicated as of tospoviruses including tomato spotted virus, spot virus of groundnut, and streak virus, though transmission is disputed. May function as for in natural . can alter structure in invaded .

Human Relevance

Major economic pest of global significance affecting diverse systems. Feeding damage reduces marketable yield and quality; severe can kill stressed plants. Management is complicated by rapid development of . Control relies on (spinosyn, abamectin), insecticidal soaps, , ( bassiana, spp.), and emerging approaches. Subject of and efforts in newly invaded regions. Research for development in specialty crops.

Similar Taxa

Scirtothrips citri (citrus thrips)Congeneric with similar associations and feeding damage on citrus; distinguished by antennal sense cone structure and abdominal setal patterns
Thrips palmi (melon thrips)Similar pest with broad range and rapid development; distinguished by body coloration and antennal
Scirtothrips perseae (avocado thrips)Congeneric pest of similar size and appearance; distinguished by and subtle morphological differences in setal arrangements