Chilli thrips
Scirtothrips dorsalis
This record describes Scirtothrips dorsalis (species). Recorded family: Thripidae. Recorded order: Thysanoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Head and legs are pale. Three pairs of ocellar setae on the head. Eight antennal segments. Segments, I-II are pale and III-VIII are dark. From Southeast Asia or the Indian subcontinent, nowadays widely distributed.
Wikipedia reference for Scirtothrips dorsalis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scirtothrips_dorsalis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Thysanoptera (Thrips)
- Family
- Thripidae
- Subfamily
- Thripinae
- Genus
- Scirtothrips
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Egg, first and second instar larvae, prepupa, pupa and adult.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author: Hood.
About Thrips: the wider group
Order-level background for Thysanoptera, the group containing Scirtothrips dorsalis. 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 Chilli thrips (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset
Frequently Asked Questions About Chilli thrips
What is Chilli thrips?
Chilli thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis) is a species in the family Thripidae, within the order Thysanoptera.
How big is Chilli thrips?
Less than 2 mm.
How do you identify Chilli thrips?
Head and legs are pale. Three pairs of ocellar setae on the head. Eight antennal segments. Segments, I-II are pale and III-VIII are dark.
What is the life cycle of a Chilli thrips?
Egg, first and second instar larvae, prepupa, pupa and adult.