Pupation Biology of Franklinothrips orizabensis (Thysanoptera: Aeolothripidae) and Harvesting and Shipping of This Predator

Abstract

In the laboratory, 82-99% of late second instar Franklinothrips orizabensis Johansen larvae abandoned avocado branches and artificial branches constructed of wooden dowels and were recovered below branches trapped on tangle foot coated plastic sheets, suggesting a preference by this life stage for selection of pupation sites beneath host plants. Of three media tested (coarse and fine vermiculite, and parafilm cones) for harvesting F. orizabensis pupae in cocoons, parafilm cones were most easily harvestable from colonies, and 44% of deployed late second stage larvae that were recovered used parafilm cones for pupation in experimental cages. Harvesting and shipping trials using aspirated adult F. orizabensis or pupae in parafilm cones showed significant differences in survivorship when held in the laboratory or shipped round trip from Riverside, California to Amherst, Massachusetts. Survivorship of aspirated adults was reduced on average by 41% following shipping, and mortality was highest for adult males. Transit survivorship was increased by 53% if F. orizabensis were shipped as cocoons in parafilm cones. Inclusion of ice packs in polystyrene boxes did not significantly increase survivorship rates for F. orizabensis adults or pupae that were either retained in the laboratory or shipped. This result may have been an artifact resulting from the time of year (i.e., May and temperatures were moderately cool) when shipping trials were conducted.