Psilothrips priesneri

Recognition data

Distinguishing features

Bailey (1957: 190) stated that P. priesneri is known only from the original specimens, and also indicated that this species is "extremely close" to P. pardalotus. However, O'Neill (1960) provided a redescription and illustrated key to distinguish the two species. She pointed out that the metanotum of P. priesneri is reticulate with internal markings, and lacks the distinctive swirling concentric sculpture lines on the posterior half that are typical of P. pardalotus.

Related and similar species

The genus Psilothrips includes five species, one from India, two from the Mediterranean region and two from western USA. These species are unusual in having a pair of long setae medially on each tergite that arise from the antecostal ridge.

Taxonomic data

Current valid name

Psilothrips priesneri (Moulton)

Original name and synonyms

• Anaphothrips priesneri Moulton, 1926: 123

Family placement

Thripidae, Thripinae

Biological data

Life history

Not known

Host plants

A total of six females have been studied, from five different arid zone plant species in various families, but the breeding host is possibly Amaranthus (Amaranthaceae), or Atriplex (Chenopodiaceae).

Tospoviruses vectored

None

Crop damage

None

Distribution data

Area of origin

Western USA

Distribution

California