Scolothrips

Hinds, 1902

six-spotted thrips

Scolothrips is a of predatory (: ) established by Hinds in 1902. within this genus are obligate of () and related (Tenuipalpidae). The genus includes economically important species such as S. longicornis and S. sexmaculatus, which have been studied for potential. Some species show apparent , while others feed on multiple mite species. Development, , and survival are strongly influenced by environmental factors including temperature and .

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Pronunciation

How to pronounce Scolothrips: /ˌskoʊloʊˈθrɪps/

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Identification

Members of Scolothrips can be distinguished from other Thripinae by a combination of setal characters, though specific diagnostic features vary by . S. ochoa lacks ocellar pairs I and II, lacks elongate pronotal midlateral setae, and has antennal III–IV and V–VI broadly joined—features that separate it from . S. sexmaculatus has six dark spots on the , giving rise to its . Accurate identification to species level requires examination of and antennal segmentation.

Images

Habitat

Specific natural data are not available for most Scolothrips . Laboratory rearing studies indicate successful development under controlled conditions: 60–75% , ranging from 0:24 to 24:0 L:D, and temperatures between 15°C and 37.5°C. Optimal laboratory conditions for mass production of S. longicornis are 26–30°C with 12:12 L:D photoperiod.

Distribution

recorded from Australia (S. ochoa), United States (S. sexmaculatus), and broader geographic distribution including Norway and Sweden (GBIF records). Specific range data for most are limited.

Diet

Predatory; feeds on . S. longicornis has been observed feeding on Tetranychus turkestani and Tetranychus urticae. S. ochoa feeds on Raoiella (Tenuipalpidae).

Host Associations

Tetranychus turkestani - ; laboratory confirmed
Tetranychus urticae - two-spotted ; laboratory confirmed
Raoiella - of flat (Tenuipalpidae); S. ochoa only

Life Cycle

Development includes and stages (pre-). In S. longicornis, pre-adult developmental period decreases with increasing temperature until 35°C, then increases. Longevity is temperature-dependent: longest at 15°C, shortest at 37.5°C. Under 12:12 L:D at 25°C, females have extended periods and longevity compared to other photoperiods.

Behavior

S. ochoa has been described as apparently -specific, though this characterization requires further validation. S. longicornis shows -dependent development and , with 12:12 L:D being most favorable for increase.

Ecological Role

of and related acariform . such as S. longicornis are candidates for programs against agricultural pest mites.

Human Relevance

Studied for mass production and of pests in agriculture. S. longicornis has been evaluated for commercial rearing with optimal conditions identified (26–30°C, 12:12 L:D , 60–75% RH).

Similar Taxa

Other Thripinae generaScolothrips is distinguished by predatory habit and associated morphological ; most Thripinae are or rather than predatory on .
Other predatory thrips genera (e.g., Franklinothrips, Leptothrips)These also contain predatory but differ in , antennal structure, and associations; Scolothrips is specialized on rather than or other small .

More Details

Taxonomic notes

The belongs to Thripinae. S. ochoa exhibits unusual morphological features within Thripinae, including absence of ocellar pairs I and II.

Research gaps

Field biology, natural distribution, and range remain poorly documented for most . claims require confirmation through controlled choice experiments.