Acacia Thrips vs Predatory Thrips

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Acacia Thrips Predatory Thrips
Scientific Name Kladothrips waterhousei Aeolothrips intermedius
Order Thysanoptera Thysanoptera
Family Phlaeothripidae Aeolothripidae
Size 1.5-2.5 mm 1.5-2 mm
Habitat Woodlands Farmland
Diet Gall Makers Predators
Regions Oceania Europe, Asia
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Acacia Thrips

An Australian gall-inducing thrips that creates enclosed galls on Acacia phyllodes. It exhibits a soldier caste that defends the gall.

💡

Did You Know?

This thrips has evolved a soldier caste with enlarged forelegs, making it one of the few eusocial insect lineages outside Hymenoptera.

Predatory Thrips

A beneficial predatory thrips that feeds on spider mites, other thrips, and small insects. It has distinctive banded wings and is valued in biological control.

💡

Did You Know?

This thrips is one of the few species in the order that is considered beneficial, as it preys on pest mites and other thrips.