Frankliniella tritici (Fitch)

Skarlinsky Ii, Thomas L., 2024, The identification of the flower thrips, Frankliniella Karny (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) intercepted at U. S. ports of entry, Insecta Mundi 2024 (39), pp. 1-64 : 60

Frankliniella tritici (Fitch) ( Fig. 52 )

Diagnosis. Similar species with a mushroom-shaped antennal segment III pedicel and incomplete abdominal tergite VIII posteromarginal comb are, Frankliniella insignis* Moulton , Frankliniella ramirezi* Mound and Marullo , and Frankliniella solidaginis* Hood. Differences between F. tritici and the other three congeners are few. The antennal segment VI of F. insignis * and F. solidaginis * is basally pale whereas the entire segment VI is dark on F. tritici and F. ramirezi *. Specimens interpreted as F. tritici have the OC3 setae in position 2B, whereas on F. ramirezi * these are in position 2A.

Distinguishing features. Color. Body pale or dark, forewings pale or shaded, legs pale or shaded ( Fig. 52A ). Pigmented ventral eye facets with the 1-1-2 pattern. Structure. Antennal segment III pedicel with lateral margins expanded mushroom shaped, basal collar outline indistinct ( Fig. 52B ). Head with the PO1 setae, OC3 setae in position 2B ( Fig. 52C ). Pronotum usually with 2 mAM setae ( Fig. 52C ). Upper surface of hind coxae without microtrichia. Abdominal tergite VIII posteromarginal comb incomplete ( Fig. 52D ).

Interception frequency. Common.

Region(s) of interceptions. North America.

Figures

Figure 52. A–D) Frankliniella tritici. A) Body. B) Pedicel of antennal segment III. C) Head and pronotum. D) Abdominal tergite VIII posteromarginal comb.