Polymorphism and kleptoparasitism in thrips (Thysanoptera : Phlaeothripidae) from woody galls on Casuarina trees
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| Authors: | Mound, LA; Crespi, BJ; Tucker, A |
| Year: | 1998 |
| Journal: | Australian Journal of Entomology 37: 8-16 |
| Title: | Polymorphism and kleptoparasitism in thrips (Thysanoptera : Phlaeothripidae) from woody galls on Casuarina trees |
| Abstract: | Two species of Iotatubothrips are now known, both inducing woody stem galls on Casuarina trees In Australia, and the single known species in each of Phallothrips and Thaumatothrips kleptoparasitise these galls. All four species of thrips vary remarkably in body form, in association with wing and behavioural polymorphisms, In particular, the previously unknown macropterae of Phallothrips houstoni are strikingly different in body form from the apterae of this species. The weakly armed macropterae invade Iotatubothrips galls, isolate themselves individually within a small, self-built enclosure, and produce a brood of highly armed apterae that then leaves the enclosure and usurps the gall. In contrast, macropterae of Thaumatothrips froggatti are well armed and heavily sclerotised, and apparently do not isolate themselves within a gall subsequent to invading it. One of the two species of Iotatubothrips is here newly described as Iotatubothrips kranzae. It is remarkable because the male genitalia are about 55% longer in macropterae than micropterae, and are longer than in any other thysanopteran. This is the first recorded instance of genitalic dimorphism within a Thysanoptera species. This species is from Western Australia on Casuarina obesa, whereas the previously known species, Iotatubothrips crozieri, is from eastern Australia on Casuarina cristata and Casuarina pauper. In contrast, no significant morphological differences were detected between the eastern and western populations of the Phallothrips and Thaumatothrips species on these tree species. All four thrips species exhibit unusually high intrapopulation variation within all morphs, and this may be related to fluctuations in within-gall density and, for the kleptoparasites, deterioration of feeding conditions in older galls. |
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