Journal of Insect Behavior (2013) 26, 780-795

M.A. Rafter and G.H. Walter (2013)
Mate recognition in the South African citrus thrips Scirtothrips aurantii (Faure) and cross-mating tests with populations from Australia and South Africa
Journal of Insect Behavior 26 (6), 780-795
Abstract: South African citrus thrips (Scirtothrips aurantii) is a pest of citrus, mango and other horticultural species in its native range, which encompasses a large part of Africa. Its adventitious establishment in Australia in 2002 was a major cause for concern. The thrips, 11 years after its incursion into Australia, has remained on plants of a single host plant genus Bryophyllum (Crassulaceae). Characterization of the Specific-Mate Recognition System of the Bryophyllum population of thrips present in Australia and behavioral bioassay experiments revealed that compounds found in the insects' body extracts play a crucial role in mate recognition of S. aurantii. Reciprocal cross-mating experiments between the Australian Bryophyllum insects and South African S. aurantii from horticultural host plants showed that mating frequencies were significantly lower in test crosses (Bryophyllum x horticultural) than in controls (Bryophyllum x Bryophyllum or horticultural x horticultural), which indicates there are at least two distinct species within S. aurantii and suggests further tests of this interpretation. The results suggest that these tiny phytophagous insects localize mates through their association with a particular host plant species (or closely-related group of species). Also, specific tests are suggested for clarifying the species status of the host-associated populations of S. aurantii in Africa.
(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): Michelle A. Rafter, Gimme H. Walter

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

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Scirtothrips aurantii		South Africa
	Scirtothrips aurantii		Australia (NT+QLD)