About 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.
How to Identify Acacia Thrips
Acacia Thrips (Kladothrips waterhousei) belongs to the order Thysanoptera, family Phlaeothripidae. Adults typically measure 1.5-2.5 mm.
Acacia Thrips Habitat
Acacia Thrips is found in woodlands habitats, particularly across Oceania. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Acacia Thrips Diet and Feeding
Acacia Thrips induces galls on plants and feeds within them. Gall-making insects trigger abnormal plant growth that provides both food and shelter for their developing larvae.
Where Is Acacia Thrips Found?
Acacia Thrips can be found in Oceania, where it inhabits woodlands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Acacia Thrips can be found
Is Acacia Thrips Dangerous?
Acacia Thrips is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Acacia Thrips Role in Nature
Acacia Thrips is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Acacia Thrips
What does Acacia Thrips look like?
The Acacia Thrips typically measures 1.5-2.5 mm.
Where is Acacia Thrips found?
The Acacia Thrips is found in Oceania and typically inhabits woodlands environments.
What does Acacia Thrips eat?
The Acacia Thrips induces galls on plants and feeds within them.
Is Acacia Thrips dangerous to humans?
The Acacia Thrips is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
Is Acacia Thrips endangered?
The Acacia Thrips is currently classified as Not Evaluated by conservation assessments. Habitat loss and environmental changes are among the primary threats to its population.
What is an interesting fact about Acacia Thrips?
This thrips has evolved a soldier caste with enlarged forelegs, making it one of the few eusocial insect lineages outside Hymenoptera.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Acacia Thrips (Kladothrips waterhousei). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/acacia-thrips
MLA:
"Acacia Thrips." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/acacia-thrips.