HEAR bibliography
Predation on Liothrips urichi Karny (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae), a case of biotic interference
Reimer, Neil J. (1988)

Predation on Liothrips urichi, introduced to Hawaii to control the weed Clidemia hirta (L.) D. Don, was studied in field-cage exclusion experiments. Thrips in open cages (exposed to predation) experienced >40% mortality compared to <10% mortality in closed cages. Eggs and first instar larvae had the highest mean mortality. Two predators, Pheidole megacephala (Fabricius) (Formicidae) and Montandoniola moraguesi (Puton) (Anthocoridae), were observed attacking L. urichi in the cages. Their combined effect was approximately twice that observed in cages that selectively excluded P. megacephala, which suggested that their individual effects on the thrips were similar. Predation on L. urichi may reduce its effectiveness as a biological control agent against Clidemia hirta (Melastomataceae) in Hawaii.