Australian Gall Thrips vs Banded-wing Thrips

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Australian Gall Thrips Banded-wing Thrips
Scientific Name Kladothrips intermedius Aeolothrips fasciatus
Order Thysanoptera Thysanoptera
Family Phlaeothripidae Aeolothripidae
Size 1-3 mm 1.5-2.0 mm
Habitat Woodlands Farmland
Diet Gall Makers Predators
Regions Australia North America
Conservation Not Evaluated Not Evaluated

Australian Gall Thrips

A eusocial thrips from Australia that induces galls on Acacia trees and defends them with a soldier caste. They are among the only thrips species to show true eusociality.

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Did You Know?

Their soldiers have enlarged forelegs used to crush and kill kleptoparasitic thrips that try to invade their galls.

Banded-wing Thrips

A predatory thrips with dark-banded wings commonly found on crop plants. It preys on pest thrips, mites, and small insects.

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Did You Know?

Banded-wing thrips are among the most important natural enemies of pest thrips in North American alfalfa fields.