ThysanopteraPhlaeothripidae – Tube-tailed Thrips2 data sources

Toyon Thrips

Liothrips ilex

This record describes Liothrips ilex (species). Recorded family: Phlaeothripidae. Recorded order: Thysanoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Toyon Thrips - Liothrips ilex — Contributed by James Bailey

Breeding on young leaves, inducing irregular galls and leaf distortion; pupating in soil (Bailey, 1938: 64).

Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Thysanoptera (Thrips)
Family: Phlaeothripidae (Tube-tailed Thrips)
Subfamily: Phlaeothripinae
Genus: Liothrips

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Diet and Behavior

Diet: Toyon ( Hetermoeles arbutifolia ).

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Moulton, 1907

About Thrips: the wider group

Order-level background for Thysanoptera, the group containing Liothrips ilex. 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.

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