Western flower thrips

Frankliniella occidentalis

Frankliniella occidentalis, also known as Californian flower thrips is a polyphagous Fransenflüglerart of the family Thripidae. The species has spread in the last 25 years almost worldwide. Previously, the focus in the southwestern United States. On the local cotton fields, the species is a pest, as they often transmits the tospovirus ( family Bunyaviridae ). On the other hand, it is a predator of predatory mites. Frankliniella occidentalis is also known as pollinators of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and onion (Allium cepa )

Features

The females of Frankliniella occidentalis have a yellowish to brownish body color. Animals that transmit the tospovirus, are mostly dark yellow and stained to the central tergites. The second and the sixth to eighth segment of the antenna is brown, while the third through fifth yellow and brownish only to the tip. On the third and fourth segment there is also a forked sense cone. The legs are yellowish except for darker stains. The long front wings are bright and wear dark bristles. The male is generally brighter than the female and slightly smaller.