Australian Journal of Entomology (2006) 45, 67-74

Kenneth W. Webster, Paul Cooper and Laurence A. Mound (2006)
Studies on Kelly's citrus thrips, Pezothrips kellyanus (Bagnall) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae): sex attractants, host associations and country of origin
Australian Journal of Entomology 45 (1), 67-74
Abstract: Under controlled conditions of 25°C and 14 h light, adult Pezothrips kellyanus (Bagnall) were observed to have a peak mating time at 17:00 h, this almost coinciding with the time of minimum feeding. Filter papers on which males had walked attracted both sexes, the attraction being strongest when the odour was collected during the mating period and subsequently offered during this period. Field observations indicate that males aggregate and that females approach such aggregations for mating. In Australia, in the vicinity of citrus orchards, this thrips is associated particularly with non-Australian perfumed white flowers. However, recent collecting indicates that the species is widespread in south-eastern coastal areas far distant from citrus cultivation, in the flowers of an Australian native plant, Myoporum insulare. Despite this host plant evidence, morphological evidence continues to suggest retention of the species in the northern hemisphere genus Pezothrips Karny, and thus the country of origin of the pest remains in doubt.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Laurence A. Mound

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
pheromones/attractants/traps
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Pezothrips kellyanus		Australia (South+SE)