Recognition data

Distinguishing features

Female macropterous; body blackish-brown, tarsi and apices of tibiae yellow, antennal segments III–IV yellow at base and apex; fore wing dark brown. Antennae 8-segmented, III–IV with long forked sensorium, III–V with two long dorsal setae, sensorium on VI extending beyond antennal apex. Head with strongly constricted basal neck. pronotum transversely striate. Metanotum with prominent triangle enclosing transverse lines of sculpture. Fore wing with long costal setae, first and second veins with almost complete setal row. Median tergal setae long; VIII with many discal microtrichia, posteromarginal comb long and regular. Male tergite IX with 3 pairs of prominent thorn-like setae; sternites III–VII with small oval pore plate near anterior margin.

Related and similar species

The very dark forewings distinguish this species from most other thrips, and it is the only species recognised in the genus Selenothrips. A second species, glabratus Priesner that is known only from Africa, is now placed in its own genus, Xestothrips.

Distribution data

Pantropical, sometimes extending into subtropical areas such as Florida.

Biological data

Host plants

Breeding on a wide range of unrelated plants with hard leaves, including Cacao, Persea and Mangifera. Populations increase particularly when plants are water stressed (Fennah, 1965).

Life history

Adults, larvae and pupae occur together on leaves.

Taxonomic data

Current valid name

• Selenothrips rubrocinctus (Giard)

Original name and synonyms

• Physopus rubrocincta Giard, 1901
• Heliothrips (Selenothrips) decolor Karny, 1911
• Heliothrips (Selenothrips) mendax Schmutz, 1913
• Brachyurothrips indicus Bagnall, 1926