Leptothrips larreae
This record describes Leptothrips larreae (species). Recorded family: Phlaeothripidae. Recorded order: Thysanoptera.
Identification and Appearance
nearly 100 spmns coll'ed, mostly on oaks and elms, over 2 summers of arboreal surveys in c.TX (w. Travis Co.)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Thysanoptera (Thrips)
- Family
- Phlaeothripidae (Tube-tailed Thrips)
- Subfamily
- Phlaeothripinae
- Genus
- Leptothrips
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
sw US (s.CA to w.TX) / Mex. - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Leptothrips larreae Hood, 1939
About Thrips: the wider group
Order-level background for Thysanoptera, the group containing Leptothrips larreae. 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.