Frankliniella cephalica (D.L. Crawford)

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 : 28

Frankliniella cephalica (D.L. Crawford) ( Fig. 22 )

Diagnosis. This pale species is similar to F. bispinosa . Both possess a distinct distally widened basal collar on antennal segment III, a swollen pedicel and two enlarged spine-like distal setae on antennal segment II. The antennal segment III pedicel of F. cephalica has basal lateral margins that diverge to acute points, creating small lateral shelves on each side whereas on F. bispinosa the basal and distal outer margins of the pedicel converge to a common point.

Distinguishing features. Color. Body, forewings, legs pale ( Fig. 22A ). Eyes with many ventral pigmented facets. Structure. Antennal segment III pedicel sub-basally angulate laterally, distal half slightly convergent apically and basal collar distinct and distally expanded ( Fig. 22B ), segment II with a distal pair of stout setae arising from protruding bases. Head with the PO1 setae, OC3 setae in position 2A ( Fig. 22C ). Pronotum usually with 2 mAM setae ( Fig. 22C ). Upper surface of the hind coxae without microtrichia. Abdominal tergite VIII posteromarginal comb incomplete.

Interception frequency. Uncommon.

Region(s) of interceptions. North America, Central America and the Caribbean.

Figures

Figure 22. A–C) Frankliniella cephalica. A) Body. B) Pedicel and basal collar of antennal segment III. C) Head, pronotum and mesonotum.