Hoplandrothrips costano

Recognition data

Distinguishing features

This species has not been studied by the present authors, but see Cott, 1956: 159-162.

Related and similar species

Judging from the redescriptions by Cott (1956), H. costano and H. lissonotus have the mid and hind tarsi paler than the tibiae, as in H. armiger, but have the fore wing shaded not pale as in that species. The metanotum of H. costano is reticulate. Over 100 species are listed in the genus Hoplandrothrips, of which more than 20 are described from North America, including five from California. Stannard (1968) provided a key to seven species from Illinois, and Mound & Marullo (1996) a key to 18 Neotropical species. Species concepts within this, and several other, genera of fungus-feeding thrips remain unclear, due to structural variation involving allometric growth patterns in one or both sexes.

Taxonomic data

Current valid name

Hoplandrothrips costano Hood

Original name and synonyms

• Hoplandrothrips costano Hood, 1942: 567

Family placement

Phlaeothripidae, Phlaeothripinae

Biological data

Life history

Breeding on dead branches.

Host plants

Unidentified fungal hyphae, particularly on willow (Salix)

Tospoviruses vectored

None

Crop damage

None

Distribution data

Area of origin

Western USA

Distribution

California, Oregon, Nevada.