A new invasive pest in Mexico: The presence of Thrips parvispinus (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in chili pepper fields

Abstract

The southeast Asian thrips, Thrips parvispinus (Karny) (Thysanoptera Thripidae), one of the most invasive pests worldwide, is here recorded from Mexico for the first time damaging chilli pepper plants. Native to Asia, this species has spread throughout more than 30 countries across all continents (except South America). In the Americas, this thysanopteran had been accidentally introduced to the US, Canada and Puerto Rico, only. The discovery of this noxious organism in Mexico is unfortunate for national agriculture, as the insect feeds on around 45 species of plants, reducing agricultural yields and causing severe economic losses.