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Home > Weeping fig thrips

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Weeping fig thrips

Gynaikothrips uzeli

A species of Gynaikothrips

Weeping fig thrips boasts an uncanny ability to reside within the leaf folds of fig trees, a trait unique to them in the insect world. The female weeping fig thrips deposit eggs inside these leaves, creating galls that further their survival. By feeding on the fig tree's foliage, weeping fig thrips inadvertently contributes to the plant’s pollination. However, extreme infestations can negatively impact the growth of their host trees. Remarkably, weeping fig thrips can resist certain pesticides, presenting distinct challenges in pest management.

Allergenic

General Info About Weeping fig thrips

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Attributes of Weeping fig thrips

Colors

Black

Habitat

nursery; fig

Defensive attack

Not reported

Venomous

Not reported

Non-poisonous

The Weeping fig thrips is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.

Borer

Not reported

Pollinator

Not reported

Pest-Eating Predatory

Not reported

Phytophagous

The Weeping fig thrips feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.

Predatory

Not reported

Biting animal or pet

Not reported

Mouthparts Type

Rasping-sucking mouthparts

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Species Status of Weeping fig thrips

Invade North America

Distribution Area of Weeping fig thrips

Southeast Asia, Oriental region, northern Australia, New Caledonia, latin American countries, southern parts of USA

Appearance of Weeping fig thrips

Weeping fig thrips is a small insect whose adult is dark brown or black in color and has luster. It has two pairs of transparent cricket-shaped wings and is not good at flying.

Life Cycle of Weeping fig thrips

Egg The egg of weeping fig thrips is usually laid within plant tissue. It is elongated and barely visible. The egg stage is a non-feeding period where embryonic development takes place within the protective housing of the plant.

Nymph Newly hatched nymphs resemble miniature adults but lack fully developed wings and genitalia. These nymphs undergo several instars, molting and increasing in size with each stage, while their coloration gradually changes.

Pupal The pupa resembles the nymph but is quiescent and often found in protected areas. Wings and genitalia develop externally during this stage, signifying the upcoming transition to the adult form of weeping fig thrips.

Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult weeping fig thrips’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.

Predators of Adult Weeping fig thrips

Birds, spiders, lacewings (chrysopidae), predatory beetles, mantises, assassin bugs (reduviidae)

Interesting Facts About Weeping fig thrips

Weeping fig thrips can communicate with each other through vibrations in the plant stems and leaves where they reside.

Scientific Classification of Weeping fig thrips

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Tips for Finding Weeping fig thrips

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Youth Habitat of Weeping fig thrips

Urban and Suburban Areas, Forests and Woodlands, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, On and Within Other Organisms (Parasitic and Symbiotic Relationships)

Adult Habitat of Weeping fig thrips

Urban and Suburban Areas, Forests and Woodlands, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, On and Within Other Organisms (Parasitic and Symbiotic Relationships)

How Can You Attract Weeping fig thrips

Since weeping fig thrips feed on plant tissue, especially in the leaves where they cause galls to form, no specific trap food is used. However, identifying the host plants that the galls appear on can indirectly act as a lure for these creatures.

Habitat Preferences of Weeping fig thrips Through Different Life Stages

The eggs of weeping fig thrips are typically deposited within the tissue of young leaves or stems of ficus plants. Searching for the nymphs requires inspecting under leaves and within curled or rolled leaves where they feed and develop. As for the pupae, they are generally hidden in the soil or leaf litter beneath the host plant, so observing these locations closely could reveal their presence. Adults of weeping fig thrips can be found on the under-surface of leaves, near galls that they or their nymph younger stages have induced on their host plants. Scanning through the ficus foliage, especially where leaves are deformed, will increase the chances of locating weeping fig thrips at different stages of its life cycle.

How and Where Can You Find Weeping fig thrips at Different Life Stages

Egg Weeping fig thrips eggs are typically deposited within plant tissue and may not be visible. However, inspecting host plants for signs of gall formation can indicate the presence of weeping fig thrips eggs.

Nymph Weeping fig thrips larvae are usually found inside the galls. Searching for galls on the host plant leaves, such as Ficus spp., and opening them gently may reveal the larvae.

Pupal Weeping fig thrips pupae may also be inside the galls or nearby areas. Careful extraction from a gall can help locate them without much movement.

Adult Weeping fig thrips adults can be found on or near host plants. Observing the surface of leaves and galls for moving insects during the appropriate seasons and weather conditions can help in finding adult weeping fig thrips. Using a gentle sweep net over the foliage may also capture them.

Are Weeping fig thrips harmful?

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Harmful Effects of Weeping fig thrips

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Allergenic

Does the Weeping fig thrips cause allergies?

Weeping fig thrips can potentially cause mild allergic reactions in a small number of people, primarily through the bite of adults, which can introduce allergenic saliva. Common allergy symptoms may vary among individuals. While the degree of risk is generally low, individuals with sensitivity to insect bites should take precautions.

Hurt Plant

Weeping fig thrips is a thrips species that causes damage to a range of host plants without preference. In both adult and nymph stages, it primarily feeds on plant leaves, chewing plant tissues which can lead to a spectrum of damage from mild to severe, depending on the infestation level.

More Effects of Weeping fig thrips