Frankliniella minuta (Moulton) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae): an American species newly recorded in Asia, with a key to Frankliniella species from Malaysia

Abstract

The New World insect species Frankliniella minuta (Moulton, 1907) is reported from Asia for the first time. This is a member of the Order Thysanoptera and is placed in the subfamily Thripinae of the Thripidae. A total of 45 female and 14 male adults were found on Tridax procumbens (Asteraceae) at the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) in Selangor, Peninsular Malaysia. Both sexes were taken from the capitula of T. procumbens. The potential threat of this species to the horticultural industry is inconclusive, but the discovery will alert horticulturalists and quarantine entomologists to possible invasion pathways. Diagnostic characters, relevant figures and a key to Frankliniella species in Malaysia are provided.

Keywords

• asteraceae
• flower thrips
• horticulture
• identification key
• alien species
• quarantine