Frankliniella tuberosi, Moulton, 1933

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 : 61

Frankliniella tuberosi ( Fig. 53)

Diagnosis. This dark species is similar to Frankliniella phaeaner* Hood. The antennal segment VI of F. tuberosi has a transverse row of 2–3 small setae between the subapical sense cones. In contrast F. phaeaner * has a cluster of 4 setae on large bases in a diamond pattern.

Distinguishing features. Color. Body dark, forewings dark, basally pale, legs dark with fore tibiae paler ( Fig. 53A). Pigmented ventral eye facets with the 1-2-2 pattern. Structure. Head without the PO1 setae, OC3 setae in position 3 ( Fig. 53B). Pronotum usually with 2 mAM ( Fig. 53B). Upper surface of the hind coxae without microtrichia. Abdominal tergite I with discal lines of sculpture between the campaniform sensilla ( Fig. 53C). Abdominal tergite VIII posteromarginal comb complete, microtrichia 15–20 µm ( Fig. 53D).

Interception frequency. Rare.

Region(s) of interceptions. South America.