Trichromothrips xanthius

Recognition data

Distinguishing features

This orchid-living species has not been studied by the present authors.

Related and similar species

The genus Trichromothrips, together with its synonym Dorcadothrips, currently includes 34 species. These species apparently originated in the area between Southeast Asia and Australia, but several of them are now more widespread around the world (Bhatti, 2000). T. xanthius is apparently unique within this genus in having coarse-grained dark areas on either side of abdominal sternites V and VI (Nakahara, 1993).

Taxonomic data

Current valid name

Trichromothrips xanthius (Williams)

Original name and synonyms

• Taeniothrips xanthius Williams, 1917: 59
• Dorcadothrips xanthius (Williams); Nakahara, 1993: 407

Family placement

Thripidae, Thripinae

Biological data

Life history

Not recorded.

Host plants

Cattleya sp.; Cypripedium sp.; Laelia sp.; Odontoglossum sp. (Orchidaceae).

Tospoviruses vectored

None

Crop damage

None

Distribution data

Area of origin

Presumably Southeast Asia.

Distribution

Taken in greenhouses widely around the world (Nakahara, 1993: 408).