Life history, damage, and control of Klambothrips myopori Mound and Morris, a devastating pest of Myoporum spp. in California

In the absence of natural enemies from its native environs, Klambothrips myopori Mound and Morris causes severe deformation of terminal growth and eventual death of Myoporum plantings. We have determined the life history characteristics of this thrips species at 30ºC and determined the ability of the thrips to cause damage. In addition, we have conducted efficacy trials to determine the best management practice to protect new growth. The life history follows closely with a related species, the Cuban laurel thrips. The length of each life stage at 30ºC is the following: egg (13.90 ± 1.15 days, range=10-16), nymph (13.87 ± 0.51 days, range=13-15), first pupa (5.27 ± 0.52 days, range=4-6), and second pupa (5.00 ± 0.37 days, range=4-6). A single female thrips can cause deformed leaf tissue. When four thrips are placed on terminal growth, severe deformation occurs in time. Control is difficult when twisted terminal growth forms gall like tissue. Therefore, systemic products work best on infested tissue, and various products work well as a preventative on new growth. Effective systemic products include thiamethoxam, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, and combination products that include bifenthrin. Bifenthrin and the neonicotinoids were effective as a preventative.