Fungal spore-feeding by adult and larvalMecynothrips hardyi(Priesner) (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae: Idolothripinae)

Abstract

Mecynothrips hardyi (Priesner), a member of the phlaeothripid subfamily Idolothripinae, is demonstrated to feed on whole fungal spores on hanging dead leaves and branches of Acacia harpophylla (brigalow). The diet primarily comprises spores of a recently described species of Dothiorella (Botryosphaeriaceae). The 14μm-wide food canal enclosed by the maxillary stylets is evidently adapted to imbibe whole spores, and the foregut includes a sclerotized proventriculus with internal ridges that presumably aids in the abrasion and thus digestion of the thick-walled spores.

Genera of Spore-Feeding Thysanoptera from Southeast Asia (Phlaeothripidae, Idolothripinae), with a species checklist from Peninsular Malaysia

“…Adults and larvae of the Thysanoptera subfamily Idolothripinae often exist as large colonies on dead leaves and dead branches, where they are considered to feed on fungal spores (Tree et al, 2010). Members of this subfamily, Idolothripinae, exhibit a wide range of body form, and the body size ranges from about 1mm to over 15 mm .…”

Review of the spore-feeding Idolothripinae from China (Thysanoptera, Phlaeothripidae)

“…The 14 species included in this genus involve some of the largest Thysanoptera, and in the proventriculus of adults there is a prominent basket-like structure that is probably involved in crushing the fungus spores on which these species feed (Tree et al 2010). A similar structure also occurs in species of Elaphrothrips .…”

Hoplothrips carpathicus PELIKÁN, 1961 (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) – a new thrips species in the Polish fauna

“…All Hoplothrips species are fungivorous and live mostly on decaying wood or in leaf litter. They feed on fungal hyphae and their maxillary stylets are narrow (2-3 μm wide), whereas species of the subfamily Idolothripinae, which ingest fungal spores, have maxillary stylets with a food canal at least 5-10 μm wide (TREE et al 2010). Several species of this genus are colonial and polymorphic.…”