Aeolothripidae
Guides
Aeolothrips collaris
Aeolothrips collaris is a predatory thrips species in the family Aeolothripidae. It occurs across multiple continents including Africa, Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. Like other members of its genus, it is recognized by distinctive wing patterning. The species was described by Priesner in 1919.
Erythrothrips
Erythrothrips is a genus of predatory thrips in the family Aeolothripidae, established by Moulton in 1911. The genus contains approximately 11 described species distributed primarily in the Americas, with species recorded from the southwestern United States through Mexico to Brazil. Members of this genus are predatory, placing them among the beneficial thrips that contribute to biological control of pest insects.
Erythrothrips keeni
Erythrothrips keeni is a predatory thrips species in the family Aeolothripidae, described by Moulton in 1929. As a member of Aeolothripidae, it belongs to a family characterized by predatory feeding habits. The species is known from North America, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented. Only two observations are recorded in iNaturalist, indicating it is rarely encountered or underreported.
Franklinothrips
Franklinothrips is a pantropical genus of predatory thrips in the family Aeolothripidae, comprising 14 recognized species. The genus is distinguished by striking ant-mimicry, particularly in females, which exhibit fast-running behavior and body forms resembling ants or bethylid wasps. Most species are bisexual with localized distributions, though F. vespiformis is notably unisexual and widespread. Several species have been developed as biological control agents against pest thrips in greenhouses and agricultural systems.
Franklinothrips vespiformis
Vespiform Thrips, Vespiform Thrip
Franklinothrips vespiformis is a predatory thrips species in the family Aeolothripidae, notable for its ant-mimicking adult morphology and distinctive red, humped-back larvae. It is widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide and has been extensively studied as a biological control agent for various agricultural and greenhouse pests. The species exhibits myrmecomorphy—mimicking ants in appearance and fast, erratic movement behavior—which likely serves as a defense against predation. It is primarily parthenogenetic, with males being rare.
Orothrips
Orothrips is a genus of predatory thrips in the family Aeolothripidae, established by Moulton in 1907. Members of this genus are small, slender insects with fringed wings characteristic of the order Thysanoptera. As aeolothripids, they are presumed to be predatory, though species-specific biology remains poorly documented. The genus is part of a family known for biological control potential against pest mites and small insects.