Thysanoptera as predators: their diversity and significance as biological control agents

Some species of thrips have evolved predatory behaviours, with their reported prey range including thrips, mites, scale-insects, whitefly, psyllid nymphs, and eggs of moths and beetles. However, our current understanding of the biology and potential of these thrips as biological control agents is insufficient, limiting our understanding of their role in pest management. This paper assesses published information on the diversity of predatory thrips and the available biological data on their diet breadth. About 100 species within three different families – Aeolothripidae, Phlaeothripidae and Thripidae – seem likely to be predatory, although some conclusions are speculative. Both facultative and obligate predators can be found among the species with prey records. Obligate predators feed primarily on arthropod tissues, whereas facultative predators consume plant tissues in addition to prey. Quantitative information regarding developmental biology, longevity and fecundity, was obtained for only 11 species. Obligate predators, particularly members of Scolothrips and Franklinothrips, are efficient biological control agents. To better augment the use of predatory thrips in pest management, further increased investment in mass rearing, life history and ecological studies, including interactions with other organisms and their habitat, are needed on these natural enemies. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.