Macrophthalmothrips argus (Karny) (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae): a fungus-feeding thrips newly established on the Atlantic island of St Helena

Abstract

Macrophthalmothrips argus (Karny) is here recorded as newly established on the island of St Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean. A review of the Thysanoptera fauna of St Helena is also presented. Macrophthalmothrips argus is the twelfth thrips species to be recorded from the island: the eleventh, Sericothrips staphylinus Haliday, was introduced onto the island as a biocontrol agent for the invasive plant Ulex europaeus in 1995, but its current status on the island is uncertain. A species of Aeolothrips present on the island has long been attributed to A. fasciatus (L.), but its specific identity has never been confirmed. Helenothrips tinctus zur Strassen, once regarded as a St Helena endemic species, is indicated to be itself an introduction, from South Africa.