Pseudophilothrips ichini (Hood, 1949: 42).

Original reference: Hood JD (1949) Brasilian Thysanoptera I. Revista de Entomologia 20: 3–88.

Family             

Phlaeothripidae, Phlaeothripinae

Nomenclatural information

http://thrips.info/wiki/Pseudophilothrips_ichini

World distribution

Described from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Distribution in Brazil

http://fauna.jbrj.gov.br/fauna/faunadobrasil/25139 

Life history

Feeds on leaves. Apparently specific to Schinus terebinthifolius, causing severe leaf damage.

Economic importance

A potential biological control agent of Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolius, in North America (Cuda et al. 2009).

References suggested

Cuda JP, Medal JC, Gillmore JL, Habeck DH & Pedrosa-Macedo JH (2009) Fundamental host range of Pseudophilothrips ichini s.l. (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae): a candidate biological control agent of Schinus terebinthifolius (Sapindales: Anacardiaceae) in the United States. Environmental Entomology 38: 1642–1652.

Mound LA & Marullo R (1996) The Thrips of Central and South America: An Introduction. Memoirs on Entomology, International 6: 1–488.