Pan-tropical-distribution
Guides
Selenothrips rubrocinctus
redbanded thrips, cacao thrips, red-banded thrips
Selenothrips rubrocinctus is a small thrips species known as the redbanded thrips, recognized by the distinctive red banding on its dark body. It is a polyphagous pest with a near pan-tropical distribution, first described from the West Indies though possibly originating in northern South America. The species is economically significant as a pest of cacao, mango, cashew, and various ornamental trees, causing leaf silvering, distortion, and fruit damage through sap-feeding. Populations exhibit seasonal dynamics tied to host plant water stress and nutritional status, with peaks typically occurring during dry seasons.