Diagnosis and Morphometrics of Sugarcane Thrips, Fulmekiola serrata (Kobus, 1892) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

The oriental sugarcane thrips, Fulmekiola serrata (Kobus) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), is a serious pest in sugarcane growing countries of South and Southeast Asia. Correct diagnosis of thrips at initial stage of infestation is essential prerequisite for minimizing yield loss with immediate intervention of management practices. Thrips were collected from sugarcane crop and ficus trees from Peernagar Soodna (Hapur) and Dohara (Ludhiana). For the first time, scanning electron microscope images of F. serrata were taken for detailed diagnosis. The results were the following: head longer than wide. Antennae seven segmented and forked sense cones on 3rd and 4th segments. Only two pairs ocellar setae present, pair II longer than side of ocellar triangle, pair III anterolateral to triangle. Metanotum with converging lines of sculpture; Campaniform sensilla present; median setae arise behind anterior margin. Pronotum with 2 pairs of long posteroangular setae, posterior margin with 3 pairs of setae. Forewing first vein with 3 setae on distal half, second vein with 10–12 setae. Tergites I–VII with craspedum of pale narrow lobes, the lateral one pointed. Tergites VI–VIII with median pair of setae as long as lateral pair. Tergites V–VIII with paired ctendia laterally, on VII postermesad of spiracle. Sternites without discal setae, posteromarginal craspedum of pointed lobes. In addition, morphometric analysis revealed that F. serrata population of sugarcane (Hapur) showed comparatively higher body length and antennae length than Ficus population (Ludhiana), whereas no significant differences were observed between other characters under study.