Distinguishing features

Female aptera. Body and legs yellow, apex of abdominal segment X dark brown; antennal segments V–VIII pale brown, VI yellow at base. Antennae 8-segmented; segment I without dorsoapical setae; III–IV with small simple sense cone. Head projecting in front of eyes; ocelli not developed; 3 pairs of ocellar setae, pair III close to compound eyes. Maxillary palps 2-segmented. Pronotum wider at posterior than anterior, without long posteroangular setae. Mesonotal-metanotal transverse suture complete medially; metanotal campaniform sensilla present. Prosternal ferna oval but commonly with more weakly sclerotised extension anteromedially, with one pair of setae. Tergites II–VIII with finely toothed craspedum; tergite IX medio-dorsal setae short. Sternites II–VII with about 6 small discal setae in median transverse row, craspedum not developed.
Male not known.

Related species

The genus Caprithrips includes 6 species, from various parts of the world. They are all wingless grass-lliving species, and a key to these is provided by Bhatti (1980). Most specimens of C. moundi have the prosternal ferna forming a characteristic median plate, but this is sometimes so weakly sclerotised that only the pair of transverse oval sclerites are visible. This species has 8-segmented antennae, but the sternites lack craspeda in contrast to the other members of the genus.

Biological data

Feeding and breeding on the leaves of native grasses, particularly Poa species [Poaceae].

Distribution data

Known only from Southern Australia and Australian Capital Territory.

Family name

THRIPIDAE - THRIPINAE

Species name

Caprithrips moundi Bhatti

Original name and synonyms

Caprithrips moundi Bhatti, 1980: 169.

References

Bhatti JS (1980) Revision of the genus Caprithrips with descriptions of two new species from India and Australia. Australian Journal of Zoology 28: 161–171.