Frankliniella invasor Sakimura

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 : 45

Frankliniella invasor Sakimura ( Fig. 38)

Diagnosis. The thinner apical dorsal setae of the antennal segment II ( Fig. 38B) and saucer-shaped pedicel of antennal segment III ( Fig. 38C) distinguishes this species from the similar F. funderburki .

Distinguishing features. Color. Body, forewings, legs pale. Abdominal tergites often with darker anteromedial shading and/or small dark anteroangular blotches ( Fig. 38A). Pigmented ventral eye facets with the 0-1-2 pattern. Structure. Antennal segment II dorsal apical setae similar in thickness to the same setae on segments III–V ( Fig. 38B). Antennal segment III with a basal oval collar surmounted by narrow disc with acute lateral angles, pedicel saucer-shaped with acute lateral angles ( Fig. 38C). Head with the PO1 setae, OC3 setae in position 2B ( Fig. 38D). Pronotum usually with 4 mAM setae ( Fig. 38D). Upper surface of the hind coxae with microtrichia. Abdominal tergite VIII posteromarginal comb complete.

Interception frequency. Uncommon.

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

Comments. Described from specimens collected in Hawaii and Puerto Rico F. invasor is speculated to have originated from the Caribbean-Central American region ( Sakimura 1972).