Cuban Laurel Thrips
Gynaikothrips ficorum
This record describes Gynaikothrips ficorum (species). Recorded family: Phlaeothripidae. Recorded order: Thysanoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Both sexes fully winged. This and G. uzeli are introduced species from Southeast Asia.
Identification notes
Both sexes fully winged.
Wikipedia reference for Gynaikothrips ficorum: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gynaikothrips_ficorum.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Thysanoptera (Thrips)
- Family
- Phlaeothripidae (Tube-tailed Thrips)
- Subfamily
- Phlaeothripinae
- Genus
- Gynaikothrips
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: A pest of ornamental ficus.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: ficorum is Latin for "of figs" or "of Ficus"
About Thrips: the wider group
Order-level background for Thysanoptera, the group containing Gynaikothrips ficorum. 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 Cuban Laurel Thrips (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Chuck Entz
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuban Laurel Thrips
What is Cuban Laurel Thrips?
Cuban Laurel Thrips (Gynaikothrips ficorum) is a species in the family Phlaeothripidae, within the order Thysanoptera.
How do you identify Cuban Laurel Thrips?
Both sexes fully winged.
What does Cuban Laurel Thrips eat?
The diet of the Cuban Laurel Thrips includes A pest of ornamental ficus..