Distinguishing features

Both sexes micropterous. Although similar in structure to P. orarius the ocelli are developed; antennal segment IV with 2 large sense cones and 1 small one; wing lobe longer than in orarius, with 3 sub-basal setae; pelta subquadrate; tergite VII with no long submedian, submarginal setae; tergite VIII posteroangular setae blunt; foretibial tubercle apparently smaller.
Male similar to female, but slightly smaller; fore tarsal tooth larger.

Related species

The genus Podothrips comprises 31 described species, mainly from the Old World tropics. In Australia, 11 species are recognised (Mound & Minaei, 2007), of which 10 are presumably endemic to that continent. Two species are known from New Zealand, both of them only from micropterae. The relationships of these two species are not clear (Mound & Walker, 1986), but orarius has only 2 sense cones on antennal segment IV whereas turangi has 3 sense cones on that segment.

Biological data

Collected from Poa and Chionochloa tussock, this thrips is likely to be predatory on scale insects that live on Poaceae.

Distribution data

Known only from New Zealand (TO).

Family name

PHLAEOTHRIPIDAE, PHLAEOTHRIPINAE

Species name

Podothrips turangi Mound & Walker

Original name and synonyms

Podothrips turangi Mound & Walker, 1986: 72

References

Mound LA & Minaei K (2007) Australian insects of the Haplothrips lineage (Thysanoptera – Phlaeothripinae). Journal of Natural History 41: 2919–2978.

Mound LA & Walker AK (1986) Tubulifera (Insecta: Thysanoptera). Fauna of New Zealand 10: 1–140.