Frankliniella bruneri (Watson)

Skarlinsky Ii, Thomas L., 2024, The identification of the flower thrips, Frankliniella Karny (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) intercepted at U. S. ports of entry, Insecta Mundi 2024 (39), pp. 1-64 : 26

Frankliniella bruneri (Watson) ( Fig. 20 )

Diagnosis. Similar to Frankliniella crotolariae* Mound and Marullo and paler forms of F. occidentalis . The antennal segment VIII of F. bruneri is shorter than VIII of F. crotolariae * and F. occidentalis . Specimens interpreted here as F. bruneri have well developed microtrichia on the upper hind coxae whereas F. crotolariae * has several minute microtrichia and F. occidentalis usually lacks microtrichia.

Distinguishing features. Color. Body, forewings, legs pale, occasionally, abdominal tergites with small dark anteroangular spots ( Fig. 20A ). Pigmented ventral eye facets with the 0-1-2 pattern. Structure. Antennal segment VIII about two times longer than wide ( Fig. 20B ). Head with the PO1 setae, OC3 setae in position 2B ( Fig. 20C ). Pronotum usually with 4 mAM setae ( Fig. 20C ). Upper surface of the hind coxae with microtrichia ( Fig. 20D ). Abdominal tergite VIII posteromarginal comb complete.

Interception frequency. Uncommon.

Region(s) of interceptions. North America, Central America and the Caribbean.

Comments. Molecular data by Skarlinsky and Rugman–Jones (2023) revealed that what is morphologically interpreted as F. bruneri consists of a complex of cryptic species.

of a hind coxa.

Figures

Figure 20. A–D) Frankliniella bruneri A) Body. B) Antennal segments VI–VIII. C) Head and pronotum. D) Upper surface