Leptothrips larreae
Recognition data
Distinguishing features
This species has not been studied by the present authors, but see Cott (1956: 130-132) and Johansen (1987: 82-83).
Related and similar species
In the genus Leptothrips the metanotal sculpture is closely striate not reticulate, and larvae and adults usually have extensive purple internal pigment. In total, 41 species are listed currently in this genus, all from the Americas. Johansen (1987), in describing 22 of these as new species, recorded 11 Leptothrips from California, although only seven were listed by Hoddle et al. (2004). The validity of some of the species in the genus remains questionable, as discussed here under L. mali . The problem is that many of these species were differentiated on character states that are very difficult to observe on their type specimens because these are poor quality slide-mounts. Moreover, there is little recorded habitat segregation between several of the nominal species, given that they are all considered to be predators of other arthropods.
Taxonomic data
Current valid name
Leptothrips larrae Hood
Original name and synonyms
Leptothrips larrae Hood, 1939: 207
Family placement
Phlaeothripidae, Phlaeothripinae
Biological data
Life history
Presumably predatory on small arthropods
Host plants
No precise information available, although specimens have been collected at different localities on Larrea (Zygophyllaceae).
Tospoviruses vectored
None
Crop damage
None
Distribution data
Area of origin
Western USA
Distribution
California, Arizona