Gall-forming Thrips vs Giant Scarites

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Gall-forming Thrips Giant Scarites
Scientific Name Klambothrips myopori Scarites gigas
Order Thysanoptera Coleoptera
Family Phlaeothripidae Carabidae
Size 1.0-1.5 mm 30-45 mm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Beaches & Coastal
Diet Gall Makers Predators
Regions Oceania, North America Mediterranean region (southern Europe, North Africa)
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Gall-forming Thrips

A tiny Australian thrips that induces galls on Myoporum plants. It was introduced to California as a biocontrol agent.

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Did You Know?

This thrips was deliberately released in Hawaii and California to control invasive Myoporum trees.

Giant Scarites

One of the largest burrowing ground beetles, entirely shiny black with a massive head and powerful toothed mandibles. It is a formidable nocturnal predator of the Mediterranean region.

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Did You Know?

It digs extensive burrow systems in sandy soil with its powerful forelegs and can be found guarding the entrance to its burrow like a miniature predator at its den.