alligatorweed thrips
Amynothrips andersoni
This record describes Amynothrips andersoni (species). Recorded family: Phlaeothripidae. Recorded order: Thysanoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Used in the biological control of the noxious aquatic weed, Alternanthera philoxeroides (alligatorweed). Has been introduced to areas, for control where the host plant has established.
Wikipedia reference for Amynothrips andersoni: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amynothrips_andersoni.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Thysanoptera (Thrips)
- Family
- Phlaeothripidae (Tube-tailed Thrips)
- Subfamily
- Phlaeothripinae
- Genus
- Amynothrips
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Phytophagous; feed on alligatorweed ( Alternanthera philoxeroides )
About Thrips: the wider group
Order-level background for Thysanoptera, the group containing Amynothrips andersoni. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Thysanoptera (thrips) includes ~6,000 described species. Thrips are among the smallest flying insects - most are just 1-2mm long. Despite their tiny size, they are major agricultural pests worldwide.
Ecological role of the group
Some thrip species are actually beneficial predators that feed on pest mites and other small arthropods. Thrips are also pollinators of some tropical plants, including certain palm species.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) is considered one of the top 10 most economically important pest insects globally, causing billions in crop damage through direct feeding and transmission of tospoviruses like tomato spotted wilt virus.
Recorded sources for this group: USDA, agricultural entomology research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of alligatorweed thrips (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Matt Bertone