Christian G. Mille^1*, Sylvie Cazères¹, Hervé Jourdan², Laurence A. Mound^3
1ARBOREAL Team, Applied Entomology Laboratory, New Caledonian Agronomical Institute (IAC), La Foa, New Caledonia.
²Joint Research Unit, Mediterranean Institute of Biodiversity and Marine and Continental Ecology (IRD-IMBE), Dakar, Senegal.
³Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Canberra, Australia.
DOI: 10.4236/ae.2025.131001   PDF    HTML   XML   84 Downloads   280 Views   Citations

Abstract

The insect order Thysanoptera is used as an indicator of the vulnerability to foreign insect invasions of New Caledonian ecosystems—both the unique natural systems, and the agricultural and horticultural systems on which the economy is dependent. A total of 103 species in 67 genera of Thysanoptera are here listed from New Caledonia, in contrast to the 68 species in 44 genera that were recorded 23 years ago. Of the 103 species, 22 are not known from anywhere else in the world. Thus, up to 80% of these insect species have arrived in New Caledonia from other countries, with a very high proportion likely to have been introduced through modern trading patterns, despite vigorous efforts by quarantine services.

Keywords

Thrips, Biosecurity, Biodiversity, New Caledonia, Quarantine

Share and Cite:

1. Introduction

Thysanoptera are often tiny and inconspicuous insects, but for at least 500 years, some species have traveled around the world in the company of man, including the armies of Alexander marching from Europe to India, and the Portuguese and British sailing ships trading between continents [1]. Some traveler species represent a serious threat to agriculture, damaging valuable crops by feeding on leaves and young fruits or by transmitting harmful viruses [2]. Moreover, such species may rapidly acquire tolerance or resistance to insecticides, such that their invasions continually challenge pest management practices [3]. Despite this, a few thrips species can be predatory on other small arthropods, and thus useful for biological control and sustainable pest management programs [4]. Despite this, at least 50% of Thysanoptera species feed only on fungal hyphae and fungal spores [2]. The objective here is to provide an up-to-date list of the thrips species recorded from New Caledonia, and to evaluate the relative importance of invasive and native species in the disharmonic fauna of this biogeographically isolated island.

2. Methods

2.1. Structure of the Checklist

All nomenclatural and description references in the checklist are available on the web at ThripsWiki (2023)¹, however, this URL is currently unavailable due to the use of ransom ware by cyber criminals in October 2023.

A map detailing the collected sites is provided to help to situate the material examined during the current and former studies (Figure 1).

Each species is listed under its family and subfamily, with the number of recorded species known from New Caledonia in each family and subfamily noted in brackets. Each species is listed under its currently valid scientific name, and the common name is provided when available. For each one, suitable references including the date of the first record in New Caledonia are provided, together with general biological information. Newly recorded species are indicated by *, whereas endemic species are indicated by E, species considered occurring naturally in New Caledonia are indicated by N (newly recorded native species by *N) and introduced species by I (newly introduced species by *I). Decisions on natural or introduced are essentially predictions, because the thrips fauna of territories around New Caledonia are not fully explored. Worldwide, almost 6,500 species of thrips in nearly 800 genera are recognized¹. Of these, 103 species in 67 genera are here listed from New Caledonia (Table 1), whereas the most recent checklist [5] included only 68 species in 44 genera. Of the extra 35 species, 14 are considered to be endemic or present naturally, whereas 21 are introduced, within 17 distinct genera (Table 2).

The checklist provided here is based largely on specimens available in collections, although a few species listed are based on published records. The main microscope slide reference collections are maintained in the following institutions with their abbreviations below.

2.2. Abbreviations and Acronyms

Cited Institutions and Collections

ANIC Australian National Insect Collection, CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation), Canberra, Australia;

Figure 1. Map of the Archipelago of New Caledonia (after Frédéric RIGAULT, IRD). Parks and reserves locations: Bouloupari County: Réserve spéciale de Faune et de Flore du Mont Do; Nouméa County: Parc zoologique et forestier—Michel CORBASSON; Ponerihouen County: Réserve de nature sauvage du Massif de l’Aopupinié; Thio County: Réserve botanique du Pic Ningua; Yaté County: Parc Provincial de la Rivière Bleue and Réserve spéciale botanique du Pic du Pin.

Table 1. List of the thrips species known from New Caledonia with their assigned biogeographic region of origin and their ecological function.

Subfamilies	Species	Biogeographic region of origin	Ecological function
Aeolothripinae Bagnall, 1913	Aduncothrips inauditus (Bianchi, 1945)	Australasian	B
	Franklinothrips brunneicornis Mound & Reynaud, 2005	Australasian	B
	Franklinothrips vespiformis (D.L. Crawford, 1909)	Nearctic	B
Merothripinae Hood, 1914	Merothrips floridensis (Watson, 1927)	Nearctic	F
Idolothripinae Bagnall, 1908	Celidothrips dolichos (Hood, 1918)	Australasian	F
	Egchocephalothrips monstrosus (Bagnall, 1909)	Australasian	F
	Ethirothrips adventor (Bianchi, 1945)	Australasian	F
	Ethirothrips stenomelas (Walker, 1859)	Oriental	F
	Gastrothrips acuticornis Hood, 1925	Nearctic	F
	Neosmerinthothrips longisetis Bournier, 1997	Australasian	F
	Nesothrips lativentris (Karny, 1913)	Pacific	F
	Nesothrips propinquus (Bagnall, 1916)	Australasian	F
Phlaeothripinae Uzel, 1895	Aleurodothrips fasciapennis (Franklin, 1908)	Nearctic	B
	Adraneothrips moundi Goldarazena & Michel, 2022	Australasian	F
	Adrothrips intermedius (Bianchi, 1945)	Australasian	B
	Bamboosiella cingulata (Hood, 1919)	Australasian/Pacific	F
	Dactylothrips priscus (Girault, 1928)	Australasian	F
	Dolichothrips indicus (Hood, 1919)	Oriental	P
	Gynaikothrips ficorum (Marchal, 1908)	Oriental	P
	Gynaikothrips uzeli (Zimmerman, 1900)	Oriental	P
	Haplothrips bituberculatus (Girault, 1927)	Australasian	B/P/F
	Haplothrips fusicornis (Bagnall, 1929)	Oriental/Australasian	P
	Haplothrips ganglbaueri Schmutz, 1913	Oriental	P
	Haplothrips gowdeyi (Franklin, 1908)	Africa	B/P
	Haplothrips pallescens (Hood, 1919)	Australasian	F
	Haplothrips victoriensis Bagnall, 1918	Australasian	B/P
	Holothrips lafoae Mound & Tree, 2014	Australasian	F
	Holothrips oceanicus Okajima, 1987	Australasian	F
	Karnyothrips flavipes (Jones, 1912)	Nearctic	B
	Karnyothrips melaleucus (Bagnall, 1911)	Oriental	B/F
	Kellyia hoodianus (Bagnall, 1924)	Australasian	B
	Kellyia milmani (Girault, 1927)	Australasian	B
	Leeuwenia angulata Bianchi, 1952	Australasian	P
	Leichhardtithrips evanidus Tree & Mound, 2013	Australasian	F
	Litotethrips caledonensis (Bournier, 1993)	Australasian	P
	Macrophthalmothrips neocaledonensis Bournier, 1997	Australasian	F
	Neocecidothrips pacificus (Bianchi, 1952)	Australasian	F
	Neohoodiella grandisetis Bournier, 1997	Australasian	F
	Podothrips xanthopus Hood, 1919	Australasian	B
	Pseudophilothrips varicornis (Hood, 1912)	Nearctic	P
	Stephanothrips cf. cuneatus Zhao & Tong, 2016	Oriental	F
	Sophiothrips typicus (Ananthakrishnan, 1964)	Oriental	F
	Stephanothrips occidentalis Hood & Williams, 1925	Oriental	F
	Teuchothrips cleistanthi (Bournier, 1975)	Australasian	P
	Teuchothrips kraussi (Bournier, 1993)	Australasian	P
	Teuchothrips noumeaensis Bournier, 1993	Australasian	P
	Teuchothrips ornatus Bournier, 1993	Australasian	P
	Yarnkothrips kolourus Mound & Walker, 1986	Australasian	B/F
Dendrothripinae Priesner, 1925	Dendrothrips reticulatus Bournier, 1997	Australasian	P
	Ensiferothrips primus Bianchi, 1945	Australasian	P
	Filicopsothrips wellsae Mound, 1999	Australasian	P
Panchaetothripinae Bagnall, 1912	Copidothrips octarticulatus (Schmutz, 1913)	Oriental	P
	Elixothrips brevisetis (Bagnall, 1919) Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis (Bouché, 1833)	Africa Australasian	P P
	Hercinothrips bicinctus (Bagnall, 1919)	Africa	P
	Hercinothrips femoralis (O.M. Reuter, 1891)	Africa	P
	Pennathrips bournierorum (Goldarazena, Michel & Mound, 2021)	Australasian	P
	Phibalothrips longiceps (Karny, 1913)	Australasian/Pacific	P
	Selenothrips rubrocinctus (Giard, 1901)	Africa	P
Sericothripinae Karny, 1921	Neohydatothrips gracilipes (Hood, 1924)	Nearctic	P
Thripinae Stephens, 1829	Anaphotrips sudanensis Trybom, 1911	Australasian	P
	Anaphotrips swezeyi Moulton, 1928	Australasian/Pacific	P
	Arorathrips mexicanus (D.L. Crawford, 1909)	Nearctic	P
	Ayyaria chaetophora Karny, 1927	Oriental	P
	Bolacothrips pulcher Girault, 1929	Australasian	P
	Bregmatothrips binervis (Kobus, 1893)	Oriental/Pacific	P
	Caprithrips insularis Beshear, 1975	Nearctic	P
	Caprithrips orientalis Bhatti, 1973	Oriental/Pacific	P
	Chaetanaphothrips leeuweni (Karny, 1914)	Oriental/Pacific	P
	Chaetanaphothrips orchidii (Moulton, 1907)	Australasian	P
	Chaetanaphothrips signipennis (Bagnall, 1914)	Australasian	P
	Chirothrips ah Girault, 1929	Australasian	P
	Dendrothripoides innoxius (Karny, 1914)	Oriental	P
	Dichromothrips corbetti (Priesner, 1936)	Oriental	P
	Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande, 1895)	Nearctic	P
	Frankliniella schultzei (Trybom 1910)	Australasian	P
	Frankliniella williamsi Hood, 1915	Nearctic	P
	Lefroyothrips varatharanjani Rachana & Manjunath, 2020	Oriental	P
	Megalurothrips usitatus (Bagnall, 1913)	Oriental	P
	Microcephalothrips abdominalis (D.L. Crawford, 1910)	Australasian	P
	Oxythrips festivus Bianchi, 1952	Australasian	?
	Pezothrips kellyanus (Bagnall, 1916)	Australasian	P
	Plesiothrips perplexus (Beach, 1896)	Neartic	P
	Rhamphothrips pandens Sakimura, 1983	Neartic/Pacific	P
	Salpingothrips aimotofus Kudo, 1972	Oriental	P
	Scirtothrips albomaculatus Bianchi, 1945	Australasian	P
	Scirtothrips australiae Hood, 1919	Australasian	P
	Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood, 1919	Oriental	P
	Thrips bianchii (Sakimura, 1969)	Australasian	P
	Thrips diana Mound & Masumoto, 2005	Australasian	P
	Thrips hawaiiensis (Morgan, 1913)	Oriental/Pacific	P
	Thrips imaginis (Bagnall, 1926)	Australasian	P
	Thrips insignis (Bianchi, 1945)	Australasian	P
	Thrips maculicollis (Hood, 1918)	Australasian/Pacific	P
	Thrips novocaledonensis (Bianchi, 1945)	Australasian	P
	Thrips orientalis (Bagnall, 1915)	Oriental	P
	Thrips palmi Karny, 1925	Oriental	P
	Thrips safrus Mound & Masumoto, 2005	Australasian/Pacific	P
	Thrips simplex (Morrison, 1930)	Africa	P
	Thrips sumatrensis Priesner, 1934	Oriental	P
	Thrips tabaci Lindeman, 1889	Palearctic	P
	Thrips vitticornis Karny, 1922	Oriental	P
	Trichromothrips cf. fragilis Masumoto & Okajima, 2005	Oriental	P

Endemic taxa are displayed in bold; Ecological functions: “B” for beneficial predators, “F” for fungivores and decomposers or scavengers, “P” for phytophagous pests.

Table 2. List of the 35 extra thrips species known from New Caledonia since the Bournier & Mound (2000)’s statement.

Family/Subfamily	Species	Statement
Aeolothripidae	Franklinothrips brunneicornis Mound & Reynaud	E
Phlaeothripidae: Idolothripinae	Celidothrips dolichos (Hood)			*N
Phlaeothripidae: Phlaeothripinae	Adraneothrips moundi Goldarazena & Michel	E
	Dactylothrips priscus (Girault)					*I
	Dolichothrips indicus (Hood)		N
	Gynaikothrips ficorum (Marchal)					*I
	Gynaikothrips uzeli (Zimmermann)					*I
	Haplothrips bituberculatus (Girault)					*I
	Haplothrips fuscicornis (Bagnall)		N
	Holothrips lafoae Mound & Tree	E
	Holothrips oceanicus Okajima		N
	Kellyia hoodianus (Bagnall)					*I
	Leichhardtithrips evanidus Tree & Mound		N
	Pseudophilothrips varicornis (Hood)					*I
	Sophiothrips typicus (Ananthakrishnan)		N
	Stephanothrips cf. cuneatus (Zhao & Tong)	E
	Yarnkothrips kolourus Mound & Walker		N
Thripidae: Panchaetothripinae	Copidothrips octarticulatus (Schmutz)					*I
	Elixothrips brevisetis (Bagnall)					*I
	Hercinothrips femoralis (Reuter)					*I
	Pennathrips bournierorum Goldarazena, Michel & Mound	E
Thripidae: Sericothripinae	Neohydatothrips gracilipes (Hood)				I
	Ayyaria chaetophora Karny					*I
	Chaetanaphothrips leeuweni (Karny)					*I
	Chaetanaphothrips orchidii (Moulton)					*I
	Chaetanaphothrips signipennis (Bagnall)					*I
	Dichromothrips corbetti (Priesner)					*I
	Frankliniella williamsi Hood					*I
	Lefroyothrips varatharajani Rachana & Manjunath				I
	Salpingothrips aimotofus Kudo					*I
	Thrips diana Mound & Masumoto	E
	Thrips hawaiiensis (Morgan)				I
	Thrips safrus Mound & Masumoto			*N
	Thrips sumatrensis Priesner				I
	Trichomothrips cf. fragilis Masumoto & Okajima					*I

“*” Newly recorded; “E” Endemic; “N” Naturally occurring; “I” Introduced.

CIRAD Centre International de Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement, Montpellier, France;

CXMNC Collection de référence des invertébrés terrestres de Nouvelle-Calédonie Xavier-Montrouzier, IAC (Institut Agronomique néo-Calédonien), La Foa, New Caledonia;

NHM Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom;

MNCN Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, ICA-CSIC (Instituto de Ciencias Agrarias, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas), Madrid, Spain;

MNHN Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, Paris, France.

3. Features of the New Caledonian Thrips Fauna

3.1. Endemicity in the Thrips Fauna

Only about 20% of the recorded thrips species in New Caledonia have been found nowhere else in the world, which is probably an underestimate of thrips endemicity. This rate is far lower than for many insect groups on this island, with for example, Cicadidae (Hemiptera) [6], Crickets (Orthoptera) [7] and Chrysomelidae (Coleoptera) [8] exhibiting some rates ranging from 100% to 90% endemicity [6]-[8]; while some other important pest fauna such as aphids [9], scale insects [10] or tephritid fruit flies [11] show some low endemicity rates with 0, 24.6 and 50%, respectively. Thus, the endemicity of Thysanoptera in New Caledonia may well be higher than the numbers suggest. This is because of sampling bias in thrips collecting; these insects are usually taken only by entomologists who are associated with crop production and protection. Within New Caledonia, very little collecting of thrips has been targeted at the rich native flora, and this flora is increasingly found only in remote areas due to the expanding areas used for agriculture. The relationships between Thysanoptera species and this rich endemic flora merits far greater exploration and study.

In considering the list given here, it is important to remember that the endemic thrips fauna of New Caledonia is largely unexplored. Specimens of several undescribed taxa have been seen, but these are known from too few specimens to warrant their description. This is particularly true in the highly diverse Family Phlaeothripidae, although there are also undescribed species in the common Thripidae genera Scirtothrips and Thrips. The low endemicity rate apparent from the following list will surely change with the description of these new taxa.

3.2. Biogeographic Relationships in the Thrips Fauna

The accuracy of some of the records listed here is doubtful. For example, the record of a little-known Malaysian species from New Caledonia, Haplothrips fuscicornis, remains unproven and is unlikely. Similarly, the identity and generic relationships of Oxythrips festivus remain doubtful. The identification of a specimen as Stephanothrips cuneatus is known to be conjectural, and the identification of several females from New Caledonia as Trichromothrips fragilis remains doubtful in the absence of conspecific males. Despite these problems a considerable number of the 100 species listed here are shared with Australia, and about 15 of these almost certainly evolved on that continent. One surprising absence from New Caledonia is Thrips australis, a species that has been distributed around the world breeding in the flowers of Eucalyptus and a few related Myrtaceae species [12]. About 50% of the listed species are widespread in other parts of the world, and many of these are certainly cosmopolitan. As in Australia, the thrips fauna in peri-urban and cultivated areas is dominated by invasive species that have accompanied man in trading activities around the world. This human dispersal is by no means restricted to pests, but includes a surprising number of fungus-feeding species [13].

3.3. Importance of Thrips in Eco- and Agrosystems

The presence on a crop of even such known pest species as Frankliniella occidentalis, F. schultzei, Thrips tabaci and T. palmi is no guarantee that at any particular time and place that population of the species will constitute an economic problem [2]. The difficulty of estimating the importance of any thrips species as a pest depends on the crop and its state of growth, the season and time of year, the geographical area involved, and very often on the skill of a cultivator in avoiding or reducing pest injury by various cultivation strategies. Resorting to chemical control is seen as the easiest response, but it is not necessarily the most cost effective. Some thrips species are best known as pests of greenhouse crops, including Heliothrips haemorroidalis, Hercinothrips spp., Chaetanaphothrips spp., but each of these can also be a problem on other crops in some warmer parts of the world. In contrast to the view of thrips as pests, many species make positive contributions to the health and longevity of ecosystems. Spore-feeding and fungal-feeding species are not merely interesting insects, they are part of the essential recycling of nutrients from dead plant tissues that makes such nutrients available for the growth of new plant tissues. More obviously, thrips can be essential pollinators of some plants, although this relationship is not broadly studied. Particular species of thrips have been demonstrated to be the essential pollinators of particular plants, including Macaranga trees in Southeast Asia; a species of Antiaropsis trees (Moraceae) endemic to New Guinea; an Australian cycad, Macrozamia macdonnellii; and a subtropical rainforest tree in eastern Australia [14]-[17]. However, there has been little critical study of thrips as more widespread pollinators, despite the ease with which species breeding in flowers can be observed as bearing many pollen grains on their bodies. One association that could be approached experimentally by excluding thrips could be the Haplothrips that are commonly found in the flowers of some Asteraceae. Moreover, in New Caledonia there are interesting early lineages of flowering plants, and these have not been studied for any association with thrips. A further contribution to ecosystems by thrips is as predators of other small arthropods. Among the 6,500 species of Thysanoptera 102 species in 24 genera have been listed as exhibiting such behaviour [4]. Of these, 35 species in 11 genera are members of the Family Aeolothripidae, 45 species in eight genera are Phlaeothripidae, and 22 species in six genera are Thripidae. Thus, the predatory habit by thrips has apparently evolved multiple times, and it occurs in multiple ecosystems. These insects should thus be regarded as potentially providing a significant source of biological control agents and should be promoted in New Caledonian Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Agroecological Crop Protection (ACP) programs. The relationships of some such predatory thrips with some weeds of cropping systems could be manipulated to benefit their biocontrol contribution to agrosystems.

3.4. Biosecurity

Exotic thrips are regularly and accidentally introduced because of their minute size. The larvae and pupae of pest species often position themselves close to a leaf vein where they can be almost impossible to detect. It is thus easy to plant a new crop using seedlings that are already infected – one example being the habit of using the terminal 5 cm from a mature chrysanthemum as the planting material for a new crop. New thrips incursions may have two main concerns: (1) the direct impacts on crops and/or environments, and (2) the indirect impact regarding biosecurity and quarantine consequences. This second concern can result in strict restrictions for export of some commodities. Fortunately, the two HTFA (High Temperature Forced Air) treatments developed (43˚C during 3 h 30 and 47˚C during 20 minutes) against true fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) can also kill thrips [18].

Despite care by quarantine authorities, at least 19 of the species in the Checklist below have been officially recorded from New Caledonia in the past decade: Ayyaria chaetophora, Celidothrips dolichos, Chaetanaphothrips leeuweni, C. orchidii, C. signipennis, Copidothrips octarticulatus, Dactylothrips priscus, Dichromothrips corbetti, Elixothrips brevisetis, Frankliniella williamsi, Gynaikothrips ficorum, G. uzeli, Haplothrips bituberculatus, Hercinothrips femoralis, Kellyia hoodianus, Pseudophilothrips varicornis, Salpingothrips aimotofus, Thrips safrus and Trichromothrips cf. fragilis.

Some species are more or less regularly intercepted from Australia, New Zealand and France, including the following 14 species in the Checklist. Aeolothripidae: Aeolothrips fasciatus, Desmothrips propinquus. Thripidae: Anaphothrips moundi, A. obscurus, Chirothrips manicatus, Frankliniella intonsa, Limothrips denticornis, Pseudanaphothrips achaetus, Thrips australis, T. florum, T. obscuratus, T. trehernei and T. vulgatissimus. Phlaeothripidae: Haplothrips varius (Table 3). Some of these species constitute a significant threat, because the detection of recurrent introductions suggests an increasing probability of settlement during a suitable period of the year when the climate range could match.

Another concern is about the seven species that are regularly found by quarantine but are established on New Caledonia (Table 4). These are Thrips tabaci, Frankliniella occidentalis, T. imaginis, F. schultzei, F. intonsa, T. obscuratus and T. australis. In descending order of frequency, these are the most intercepted thrips species at the borders of New Caledonia since the beginning of systematic

Table 3. List of the 14 thrips species regularly intercepted by the New Caledonia Biosecurity Services (DAVAR-SIVAP) from Australia, New Zealand and France on several commodities and still considered unestablished in New Caledonia.

Family	Species and common name	Intercepted commodity	Country of origin
Aeolothripidae	Aeolothrips fasciatus (Linnaeus, 1758) Banded thrips	Asparagaceae Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) Asteraceae Artichoke (Cynara scolymus)	Australia & New Zealand
	Desmothrips propinquus (Bagnall, 1916)	Apiaceae Celery (Apium graveolens)	Australia
Phlaeothripidae	Haplothrips varius Hood, 1918	Asparagaceae Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis)	Australia
Thripidae	Anaphothrips moundi Pitkin, 1978	Apiaceae Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)	Australia
	Anaphothrips obscurus (Müller, 1776) Grain thrips or American grass thrips	Apiaceae Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)	Australia
	Frankliniella intonsa Trybon, 1895 European flower thrips	Apiaceae Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) Rosaceae Strawberry (Fragaria sp.)	New Zealand
	Chirothrips manicatus (Haliday, 1836) Timothy thrips	Asparagaceae Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis)	Australia
	Limothrips denticornis Haliday, 1836 Barley thrips	Caprifoliaceae Lamb’s lettuce (Valerianella locusta)	France
	Pseudanaphothrips achaetus (Bagnall, 1916) Australian flower thrips	Apiaceae Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)	Australia
	Thrips australis (Bagnall, 1915) Australia gum tree flower thrips	Apiaceae Celery (Apium graveolens), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)	Australia
	Thrips florum Schmutz, 1913 Oriental flower thrips	Apiaceae Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)	New Zealand
	Thrips obscuratus (Crawford, 1941) New Zealand flower thrips	Brassicaceae Cabbage (Brassica oleracea), Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis)	New Zealand
	Thrips trehernei Priesner, 1927	Asteraceae Artichoke (Cynara scolymus)	Australia
	Thrips vulgatissimus Haliday, 1836 White flower thrips	Brassicaceae Chinese cabbage “Wong bok” (Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis)	New Zealand

samplings in 2008 to 2023. This can be partly explained by the number of distinct imported commodities ranging from 26, 19, 6, 5, 4, 3 and 2 respectively (Table 4).

In Table 5, we present the number of specimens and the ratio of each of the seven most intercepted species from 2008 to 2023. T. tabaci represents 86.3% of the total of intercepted specimens, as might be expected due to the extreme

Table 4. List of the seven most regularly intercepted and established thrips species in New Caledonia on imported commodities on which they were collected from 2008 to 2023.

Family	Species	Intercepted commodities [= number of species]	Country of origin
Thripidae	Frankliniella intonsa	Apiaceae: Celeriac (Apium graveolens var. rapaceum), Fennel (F. vulgare); Rosaceae: Strawberry (Fragaria sp.); Alliaceae: Leek (Allium ampeloprassum var. porrum) [=4].	New Zealand
	Frankliniella occidentalis	Alliaceae: Leek (Allium ampeloprassum var. porrum); Amaranthaceae: Spinach (Spinacea oleracea); Apiaceae: Celery (Apium graveolens), Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), Fennel (F. vulgare), Parsley (Petroselinum crispum); Asparagaceae: Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis); Asteraceae: Lettuce (Lactuca sativa); Brassicaceae: Cabbage (Brassica oleracea), Chinese Cabbage “Wong bok” (B. rapa subsp. pekinensis), Cauliflower (B. oleracea var. botrytis), Red Cabbage (B. oleracea var. capitata f. rubra); Bromeliaceae: Bromelia (Guzmania sp.); Ericaceae: Blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus); Moraceae: Blackberries (Morus sp.); Rosaceae: Strawberry (Fragaria sp.), Raspberry (Rubus idaeus); Solanaceae: Pepper (Capsicum annuum); fresh cut flowers [=19].	Australia, France, New Zealand & United States of America
	Frankliniella schultzei	Apiaceae: Coriander (C. sativum); Asparagaceae: Asparagus (A. officinalis); Asteraceae: Lettuce (L. sativa); Brassicaceae: Cabbage (B. oleracea); Rosaceae: Strawberry (Fragaria sp.) [=5].	Australia
	Thrips australis	Apiaceae: Celery (Apium graveolens), Fennel (F. vulgare) [=2].	Australia
	Thrips imaginis	Apiaceae: Celery (Apium graveolens), Fennel (F. vulgare); Asparagaceae: Asparagus (A. officinalis); Asteraceae: Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus); Brassicaceae: Cauliflower (B. oleracea var. botrytis), Brocoli (B. oleracea var. italica) [=6].	Australia
	Thrips obscuratus	Brassicaceae: Cauliflower (B. oleracea var. botrytis), Brocoli (B. oleracea var. italica), Red Cabbage (B. oleracea var. capitata f. rubra) [=3].	New Zealand
	Thrips tabaci	Alliaceae: Leek (Allium ampeloprassum var. porrum), Onion (A. cepa var. aggregatum), Bunching Onion (A. fistulosum), Shallot (A. ascalonicum); Amaranthaceae: Beet (Beta vulgaris); Apiaceae: Celery (Apium graveolens), Celeriac (Apium graveolens var. rapaceum), Dill (Anethum graveolens), Fennel (F. vulgare), Parsley (Petroselinum spp.); Asparagaceae: Asparagus (A. officinalis), Muguet (Convallaria majalis); Asteraceae: Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus), Lettuce (Lactuca sativa); Brassicaceae: Brussels sprouts (B. oleracea var. gemmifera), Cabbage (B. oleracea), Cauliflower (B. oleracea var. botrytis), Brocoli (B. oleracea var. italica), Red Cabbage (B. oleracea var. capitata f. rubra), Chinese Cabbage “Wong bok” (B. rapa subsp. pekinensis); Cucurbitaceae: Squash (Cucumis pepo); Fabaceae: Green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), Peas (P. sativum); Geraniaceae: Geranium (Pelargonium sp.); Poaceae: Corn (Triticum sativum); Polygonaceae: Rhubarb (Rheum sp.); Rosaceae: Strawberry (Fragaria sp.); Solanaceae: Pepper (Capsicum annum) [=26].	Australia, New Zealand & Ukraine

Table 5. Numbers and rates of the seven most intercepted species in the New Caledonia borders from 2008 to 2023.

	T. tabaci	F. occidentalis	T. imaginis	T. obscuratus	T. australis	F. intonsa	F. schultzei	Totals
Numbers	1904	213	67	6	6	5	5	2206
Rates (%)	86.3	9.7	3.0	0.3	0.3	0.2	0.2	100

T. for Thrips, F. for Frankliniella.

polyphagy of this species. The six remaining species only represent 13.7%. It is also interesting to note that all of them are Thripinae species. Among the seven intercepted species, three of them represent 99% of the thrips interceptions (Figure 2). Figure 2 emphasizes that samplings increase and improve consistently on the period, undoubtedly because of a greater awareness of the Quarantine services.

One might think that such already established species are not of Quarantine importance, but the ability of different strains of F. occidentalis, F. schultzei and T. tabaci to transmit plant viruses, maintains such species at a high Quarantine significance. Viruses such as TSWV Tomato spotted wilt virus and TCSV Tomato chlorotic spot virus are currently absent from New Caledonia (Nicolas Hugo, CAP-NC/GDS-V, com. pers., 3^rd May 2023). T. imaginis is not considered a virus vector and despite its large populations in Australia has not been considered a serious pest on crops in recent years. Some specific virus surveillance should be undertaken, especially on these potential vectors that are intercepted at the borders. Interestingly, Thrips palmi, another important pest species that is apparently established, is never intercepted at the borders despite its high-risk invasive potential from Australia (Northern Territory and Queensland). This species is known as “highly polyphagous, particularly on Cucurbitaceae and Solanaceae” [19], of which some plants are currently imported from Australia.

Figure 2. Evolution of the numbers of specimens of the three main species among the seven most intercepted at the borders (vertical axe) from 2008 to 2023 (horizontal axe).

4. Discussion

Considering thrips within the context of biosecurity programs in New Caledonia, one major threat is the South African citrus thrips (Scirtothrips aurantii Faure). This is present in parts of eastern Queensland but is not found in citrus. It is widespread on the common succulent pasture weed, Mother of Millions (Bryophyllum delagoense). Under experimental conditions, populations of this strain have been shown to breed on several cultivated species, including mango trees (Mangifera indica, Anacardiaceae), grape (Vitis vinifera, Vitaceae), chili (Capsicum spp., Solanaceae), pea and green bean (Pisum sp. and Phaseolus sp., Fabaceae), and blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus, Ericaceae) [20]. As a result, it has to be considered a potential threat to the production of these valuable crops in New Caledonia. It could easily be introduced to New Caledonia and become a threat to the citrus industry and also to some endemic basal citrus species of the former genus Oxanthera in New Caledonia that are now included in the genus Citrus (Rutaceae).

The need for strong regulatory measures, accompanied by construction of a Plant Quarantine facility, becomes mandatory in such a biodiversity hotspot. These measures were first requested in 1953—that is now 70 years ago—by the late Dr François COHIC from the ORSTOM research institute [21]-[23], also regularly and more recently renewed [9] [10] [24]. These measures and this Quarantine facility are needed because thrips are found mainly on the imported leaves, flowers, fruits and vegetables, considering that over 300,000 units of ornamental plants are imported annually. Amongst all imported commodities, including imported fruits and vegetables, these ornamental plants represent the most significant invasion pathway for Quarantine insects in general and of course for thrips species. Samplings are already intensively done by the Biosecurity officers on all introduced plant materials; however, these samplings could be improved by some trappings within the Quarantine zone. The renowned biodiversity of New Caledonia and its agriculture deserve an increased protection in the face of global changes and future agricultural challenges.

5. A Checklist of New Caledonian Thysanoptera

AEOLOTHRIPIDAE (3)

Aduncothrips inauditus (Bianchi, 1945)^E

Aeolothrips inauditus Bianchi, 1945: 261.

Biology: Flower-living, possibly predator of other thrips [25].

Distribution: Known only from New Caledonia; recorded in Province Sud, La Foa County (Oua Tom) on Melaleuca sp. flowers; Nouméa County on Mangifera indica flowers; Poya County from Citrus; Boulouparis County (Réserve spéciale de faune et de flore du Mont Do), Dumbéa County in Mont Nondoué and District of Yahoué [5] [26] [27].

Material examined: South part of Poya County (Province Sud), from Citrus sp. (Rutaceae) leaves and flowers through a funnel trap, 20.X.2004, in ANIC.

Franklinothrips brunneicornis Mound & Reynaud, 2005^E

Franklinothrips brunneicornis Mound & Reynaud, 2005: 10.

Biology: Females ant-like in appearance; predators on other small arthropods; usually found at ground level on herbs and at base of grasses.

Distribution: Known only from New Caledonia; first collected in 2001 from Poindimié County, Pic d’Amoa in Province Nord and Thio County, Réserve botanique du Pic Ningua in Province Sud, both areas on the East Coast of Main Island.

Material examined: North part of Poya County, Massif de l’Aoupinié, summit (Alt. 1,000 m), by fogging, 02.X.2004, in ANIC.

Franklinothrips vespiformis (D.L. Crawford, 1909)^I

Aeolothrips vespiformis D.L. Crawford, 1909: 109.

Biology: Vespiform in appearance and behaviour, adult females with basal abdominal segments white in contrast to black body. Often in low herbage; predatory on various Thripidae eggs and larvae, possibly also on various small arthropods [28]; useful biological control agent in greenhouses against pest thrips [29]. The association with Carambola tree flowers is interesting because this is a multiple-cropping species that might provide a permanent host around cultivated plots to protect against various phytophagous thrips.

Distribution: Presumably originally from the Caribbean or Central American regions, now present in various tropical countries; sold in Europe and Israel for use in greenhouses [4]; Listed in New Caledonia from Pouembout in Province Nord [5].

Material examined: Païta County, on taken on courgette/zucchini (Cucurbita pepo, Cucurbitaceae), 19.III.1987; Nouméa County, on Wikstroemia indica (Thymelaeaceae), 08.IV.2012; La Foa County, Fruit Pocquereux Research Station (IAC), from beating over a white tray the flowers of Averrhoa carambola (Oxalidaceae), 09.IV.2012; Pouembout County, taken on Cucumis melo and C. lanatus leaves (Cucurbitaceae), 01.VIII.2014; Sarraméa County, in pitfall trap, 17.IV.2015, in CXMNC and ANIC.

MEROTHRIPIDAE (1)

Merothrips floridensis Watson, 1927^I

Merothrips floridensis Watson, 1927: 60.

Biology: Fungivore on dead branches and twigs.

Distribution: Widespread in the Americas, also known from Azores, southern France, South Africa, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand; here recorded in New Caledonia from Farino (Falls) in Province Sud [5].

Material examined: Farino County, collected from dead wood near a waterfall, 15.IV.2012, in ANIC and CXMNC.

PHLAEOTHRIPIDAE—IDOLOTHRIPINAE (8)

Celidothrips dolichos (Hood, 1918)*^N

Cryptothrips dolichos Hood, 1918: 144.

Biology: Fungivore on spores on dead plant.

Distribution: Described from Australia, north Queensland, recorded in Northern Territory from Torres Strait islands to Darwin; here newly recorded from La Foa County in New Caledonia (but recorded in ThripsWiki²).

Material examined: La Foa County, Fruit Pocquereux Research Station (IAC), collected by beating dead stems of Ocimum sp. (Lamiaceae), 05.IV.2012, in ANIC.

Egchocephalothrips monstrosus (Bagnall, 1909)^E

Docessiossophothrips monstrosus Bagnall, 1909: 538.

Biology: A single rare, spore-feeding, species is placed in this genus.

Distribution: Described from Dumbéa County in Mont Koghi and also known from Farino County (Province Sud).

Material examined: Apart from the holotype, only one other specimen known, from Farino County, collected by beating vegetation, 07.X.2004, in ANIC.

Ethirothrips adventor (Bianchi, 1945)^E

Dichaetothrips adventor Bianchi, 1945: 259.

Biology: Feeds on fungal spores on dead branches [5].

Distribution: Known only from New Caledonia in Nouméa (Province Sud), on sugarcane and croton leaves [26].

Material examined: Not observed during the present study.

Ethirothrips stenomelas (Walker, 1859)^I

Phlaeothrips stenomelas Walker, 1859: 224.

Biology: Feeds on fungal spores on dead branches and leaves, also in litter or at the base of grass tussocks; dispersing adults found on various plants.

Distribution: Described from Sri Lanka but widespread in tropical areas including Eastern Australia; recorded from New Caledonia, Nouméa in Province Sud [5].

Material examined: La Foa County, collected by beating from branches of Citrus sp. (Rutaceae), 23.III.2002, also in vicinity of the Fruit Pocquereux Research Station (IAC), collected by beating unknown plants, 03.IV.2012; Koné County, Mont Kathépahié (Province Nord), collected by beating unknown plants, 28.X.2009; in ANIC and CXMNC.

Gastrothrips acuticornis (Hood, 1925)^I

Cryptothrips acuticornis Hood, 1925: 65.

Biology: Feeds on fungal spores on leaves and dead branches but dispersing adults found on various plants.

Distribution: Described from the Caribbean Island of St Croix, but recorded widely in tropical countries under several other names; Reference [25] described this species under the name noumeae, from specimens taken in hills back of Nouméa.

Material examined: Not observed during the present study.

Neosmerinthothrips longisetis Bournier, 1997^E

Neosmerinthothrips longisetis Bournier, 1997: 150.

Biology: Fungus-feeding on dead branches.

Distribution: Described from Yaté County, Parc Provincial de la Rivière Bleue, and recently found in Farino County (Province Sud).

Material examined: Farino County, collected from Plerandra gabriellae (Araliaceae) by beating dead wood trap ‘branch-cutting’, hanging from the tree, 01.V.2004, in CIRAD and CXMNC.

Nesothrips lativentris (Karny, 1913)^N

Rhaebothrips lativentris Karny, 1913: 128.

Biology: Feeds on fungal spores on dead branches and leaves; dispersing adults may fly onto crops.

Distribution: Probably originated in Pacific area, but widespread in Old and New World tropics; recorded from New Caledonia, Koné County in Province Nord [5], also known from Futuna Island, in the Wallis & Futuna Archipelago [30].

Material examined: Ouvéa Island County, in pitfall trap, 16.III.2017; Païta County (Port-Laguerre District), Province-Sud Fruit Nursery, taken on young plants of Albizia lebbeck, 11.III.2009, in ANIC.

Nesothrips propinquus (Bagnall, 1916)^I

Oedemothrips propinquus Bagnall, 1916: 408.

Biology: Feeds on fungal spores, commonly breeding at base of grass tussocks in Australia.

Distribution: Possibly originally from New Zealand but common in southern Australia and recorded in South Africa and Atlantic islands; recorded in Province Sud of New Caledonia, Nouméa County [26] and Bourail County, Le Cap District, on grasses along the road [5].

Material examined: Not observed during the present study.

PHLAEOTHRIPIDAE—PHLAEOTHRIPINAE (36)

Aleurodothrips fasciapennis (Franklin, 1908)^I

Cryptothrips fasciapennis Franklin, 1908: 727.

Biology: Predatory on larvae of whitefly and scale insects on various unrelated plants.

Distribution: Described from Caribbean islands, but widely distributed in tropical and subtropical areas; recorded from New Caledonia, Thio County in Province Sud, on Psidium sp. leaves [5].

Material examined: La Foa County (Nili District), taken on Cycas revoluta (Cycadaceae), 09.VIII.2008; on fruit of Citrus latifolia (Rutaceae) at the same location, 17.VII.2011; Nouméa County (Magenta District), taken on leaves of Mangifera indica (Anacardiaceae), 15.V.2013; Païta County (Tontouta District) in International Airport area, taken on leaves of Phoenix sp. (Arecaceae) 24.XI.2015, in ANIC and CXMNC.

Adraneothrips moundi Goldarazena & Michel, 2022^E

Adraneothrips moundi Goldarazena & Michel, 2022: 170.

Biology: Feeds on fungi in leaf litter and on dead stems.

Distribution: Known only from New Caledonia on dead palm fronds, Yaté County, Parc Provincial de la Rivière Bleue, in Province Sud, in CIRAD.

Material examined: Not observed during the present study.

Adrothrips intermedius (Bianchi, 1945)^N

Scopaeothrips intermedius Bianchi, 1945: 254.

Biology: Breeds on green stems of various Casuarinaceae. This species has extremely long maxillary stylets [31].

Distribution: Described from New Caledonia, Nouméa and Thio Counties from green stems of several Casuarina spp. (Casuarinaceae) [5]; widespread and common in Eastern Australia.

Distribution: Not observed during the present study.

Bamboosiella cingulata (Hood, 1919)^I

Zygothrips cingulata Hood, 1919: 80.

Biology: Species of this genus lives on grass leaves of grasses; dispersing adults may land on various plants.

Distribution: Described from Australia (Queensland), but found in Hawaii and Florida (USA), Thailand and Jamaica; listed from New Caledonia, Province Sud, Bourail County [5] and here newly recorded from Ouvéa Island (Province des Iles Loyauté).

Material examined: Boulouparis County, La Ouenghi District (in an experimental plot of the ADECAL), collected on Oryza sativa (Poaceae) and Crotalaria juncea (Fabaceae), 16.IV.2012; Bourail County, Gouaro District, by pitfall trap under an avocado tree (Persea americana, Lauraceae), 25.VI.2015; Ouvéa Island, Hwadrilla District, by pitfall trap in a garden, 14.III.2017; in ANIC and CXMNC.

Dactylothrips priscus (Girault, 1928)*^I

Hannibalia priscus Girault, 1928: 2.

Biology: This genus comprises 30 species from Australia living in cavities on phyllodes of Acacia spp. (Fabaceae).

Distribution: Newly recorded here from Dumbéa in New Caledonia (Province Sud); known previously from Queensland and New South Wales.

Material examined: Dumbéa County, Mont Koghi District, collected by beating vegetation, 29.X.2009; in ANIC.

Dolichothrips indicus (Hood, 1919)^N

Neoheegeria indica Hood, 1919: 96.

Biology: Leaf-feeding, taken on various plants but common in terminal buds of some Malvaceae.

Distribution: Described from India but now widespread in tropical countries including Pacific Islands; listed in New Caledonia from Province Sud, Bourail and La Foa counties in 2012 [14] by beating Talipariti tiliaceum (=Hibiscus tiliaceus) (Malvaceae), in ANIC.

Material examined: Not observed during the present study.

Gynaikothrips ficorum (Marchal, 1908)*^I

“Cuban laurel thrips”

Phloeothrips ficorum Marchal, 1908: 252.

Biology: Breeding primarily on young leaves of Ficus benjamina (Moraceae) causing leaf curls and leaf galls. The presence of the thrips egg parasitoid Adactylidium sp. ficorum Goldarazena & Ochoa, 2001 (Acari: Trombidiformes: Acarophenacidae) was confirmed recently (Arturo Goldarazena, com. pers., 28^th January 2024).

Distribution: The “Cuban laurel thrips” is widespread from India to the Pacific area and readily transported internationally by the horticultural trade in Ficus. Closely similar to, and sometimes difficult to distinguish from Gynaikothrips uzeli. First intercepted in New Caledonia in 2008 on strawberry from Australia [32] but not clearly identified.

Material examined: Subsequently found in 2011 and 2014 [33], and large colonies in 2018, on Ficus benjamina leaves; Païta County, La Tamoa District, on F. benjamina, 07.XI.2023. in ANIC, MNCN and CXMNC. However, many submitted samples could not be clearly identified as G. ficorum or uzeli to date.

Gynaikothrips uzeli (Zimmermann, 1900)*^I

“Weeping fig thrips”

Mesothrips uzeli Zimmermann, 1900: 12.

Biology: Inducing young leaves of Ficus benjamina to roll forming galls with large colonies of adults and larvae. The wasp Thripastichus gentilei (Del Guercio) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) can be a useful biocontrol agent, that also attacks species of Hoplothrips, Schedothrips, Mallothrips and Liothrips [34].

Distribution: Widespread across Asia and introduced into several American countries; here newly recorded from New Caledonia (Provinces Sud and Nord) but first mentioned here in 2011 [35]; detected in Australia at the same period [36].

Material examined: Bourail County, Gouaro District, more than thousand females and males combined were taken on Ficus benjamina rolled leaves, 18.XII.2011; same place and same plant,14.IV.2012; Voh County, taken on leaves of tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum, Solanaceae), 30.V.2017; Dumbéa County, Koutio District, taken on Ficus benjamina, 16.VI.11; Nouméa County: Tina District, taken on Ficus sp., 25.IV.2011; Vallée des Colons District, from a child’s clothing, 06.III.2015; Dumbéa County, La Couvelée District, taken on Anthurium sp. (Araceae), 09.IV.2015; Païta County: La Tamoa District, Pacifique Jardin nursery, taken on Ficus benjamina leaves,14.I.2014; Karenga La Tontouta District, taken on Ficus sp. leaves, 21.IX.2018, in ANIC and CXMNC.

Haplothrips bituberculatus (Girault, 1927)*^I

Podothrips bituberculatus Girault, 1927: 2.

Biology: Found in Australia, on dead branches, in galls and on leaves, probably as a predator on small arthropods [37].

Distribution: Described from Queensland, Australia, and widespread across that continent, but also known from Norfolk Island, Papua New Guinea (Sandaun) and Timor-Leste; here newly recorded from La Foa County in New Caledonia.

Material examined: La Foa County (Thia District), on fruit of Citrus latifolia (Rutaceae), 22.X.2013, in ANIC.

Haplothrips fuscicornis (Bagnall, 1929)^N

Adraneothrips fuscicornis Bagnall, 1929: 606.

Biology: Known only from a single winged female taken in Malaysia from a gall on Ironwood (Messua).

Distribution: Reference [38] records two males and some larvae as possibly representing this species, collected New Caledonia, at an unspecified locality in rolled leaves of an undetermined plant by Noel Krauss; this record seems unlikely and needs confirmation.

Material examined: Not observed during the present study.

Haplothrips ganglbaueri Schmutz, 1913^I

Haplothrips ganglbaueri Schmutz, 1913: 1034.

Biology: In inflorescences of Poaceae and Cyperaceae [37], but may be found on various dicotyledonous plants [39].

Distribution: Described from Sri Lanka, but widely recorded across Old World tropics from Sudan to Japan and Australia [39]; listed in New Caledonia (under the synonymic Haplothrips angustus Hood) from Nouméa County [40], also from the North part of Poya County (Népoui District) in Province Nord [5].

Material examined: Not observed during the present study.

Haplothrips gowdeyi (Franklin, 1908)^I

Anthothrips gowdeyi Franklin, 1908: 724.

Biology: Apparently highly polyphagous, in various flowers including Asteraceae and Poaceae; in New Caledonia recorded from Argenome mexicana, Ipomea sp., cucumber and sugarcane [26].

Distribution: Probably originally from tropical Africa [39], but now widespread in tropical and subtropical countries; recorded in New Caledonia, at or near Nouméa [26] and newly recorded here from Ouvéa Island in the Province des Iles Loyauté in New Caledonia, and from Futuna Island on avocado (Persea americana) in the Archipelago of Wallis and Futuna [30].

Material examined: Nouméa County, taken on young leaves of Cucumis melo, 26.XII.2007; Farino County (Focola District), on Solanum melongena, 03.V.2010; La Foa County, from flowers of Canavallia sp. (Fabaceae) by beating over a white tray, 12.IV.2012; same locality, on Cuphea sp. (Lythraceae), 17.VI.2022; Sarraméa County, in pitfall trap, 17.IV.2015; same locality, collected on Dadura sp. (Solanaceae), 13.VIII.2021; Ouvéa Island, in Winkler extractor, 07.IV.2017, in ANIC and CXMNC.

Haplothrips pallescens (Hood, 1919)^I

Zygothrips pallescens Hood, 1919: 78.

Biology: Breeding on leaves and flowers of Poaceae.

Distribution: Described from Queensland Australia; recorded from New Caledonia, Bourail County, Le Cap District (Province Sud), along the road, on grasses and Houaïlou County (Province Nord) [5], and known from Chinese mainland, Fiji Islands, India, Japan, Pakistan, Taiwan region and Thailand.

Material examined: Bourail County, Gouaro District, in trap, 26.VI.2015, in ANIC and CXMNC.

Haplothrips victoriensis Bagnall, 1918^N

Haplothrips victoriensis Bagnall, 1918: 208.

Biology: In flowers of many plants, including Jasminum sp., Melaleuca sp., Chenopodium sp. and on wild grasses; in Tasmania, it has caused contamination problems by entering the fruits of raspberries.

Distribution: Described from Victoria, Australia, but widespread across southern half of Australia; not known from anywhere other than Australia, apart from New Caledonia, Province Nord, from the North part of Poya County (Népoui District), on grasses, where first recorded [26] under a varietal name nepouiensis.

Material examined: Boulouparis County (Réserve spéciale de faune et de flore du Mont Do), from Smilax sp. (Smilacaceae), 16.IV.2012, in ANIC.

Holothrips lafoae Mound & Tree, 2014^E

Holothrips lafoae Mound & Tree, 2014: 130.

Biology: Presumably feeding on fungal hyphae.

Distribution: Known only from New Caledonia, La Foa and Farino counties, Province Sud.

Material examined: La Foa County, taken on Ocimum dead stems, 05.IV.2012; Farino County, collected on unknown plant, 07.X.2004, in ANIC and CXMNC.

Holothrips oceanicus Okajima, 1987^N

Holothrips oceanicus Okajima, 1987: 37.

Biology: Presumably feeding on fungal hyphae, found on dead leaves and twigs.

Distribution: Originally from Australia, New South Wales, where it is widespread; recorded from New Caledonia, Bourail County by a single female on an unidentified plant [41], in ANIC.

Material examined: Not observed during the present study.

Karnyothrips flavipes (Jones, 1912)^I

Anthothrips flavipes Jones, 1912: 18.

Biology: Presumably predaceous on scale insects, whiteflies and mites, and other small arthropods [12]. Collected from diverse habitats on many plants, but mostly from dead leaves and grasses rather than flowers and live leaves [39]; a beneficial species that needs to be enhanced in New Caledonian Agroecological Crop Protection (ACP) programs.

Distribution: Possibly originally from southern USA, now widespread in tropical and subtropical regions; recorded in New Caledonia, Province Nord, from Pouembout County on Acacia nilotica [5].

Material examined: La Foa County (Nili District), taken on Citrus fruits, 17.VIII.2011; La Foa County, collected by beating on Averrhoa carambola flowers, 09.IV.2012, in ANIC and CXMNC.

Karnyothrips melaleucus (Bagnall, 1911)^I

Hindsiana melaleuca Bagnall, 1911: 61.

Biology: Apparently predaceous on Coccoidea and possibly also mites, on leaves, dead branches and dead twigs [39]; a beneficial species that should be enhanced in New Caledonian IPM or ACP programs.

Distribution: Probably originally from Oriental region, now widespread in tropical and subtropical regions [39]; recorded in New Caledonia, Bourail County from grasses [5].

Material examined: La Foa County (Nili District), taken in colony of the red spider mites Dolichotetranychus floridanus (Banks, 1900) (Acari: Trombidiformes: Tenuipalpidae), on Ananas comosus (Bromeliaceae), 01.VIII.2011; Boulouparis County (Réserve spéciale de faune et de flore du Mont Do), by beating Smilax, 16.IV.2012; La Foa County (Thia District), on fruits of Citrus latifolia, 26.XI.2013, in ANIC and CXMNC.

Kellyia hoodianus (Bagnall, 1924)*^I

Teuchothrips hoodianus Bagnall, 1924: 630.

Biology: Living on phyllodes of various Acacia spp. in Australia.

Distribution: An Australian species reported in New Caledonia (Province Sud) from Dumbéa, since 2010 [42], but here newly recorded.

Material examined: Dumbéa County (Mont Koghi District), from unknown trees and shrubs, 29.X.2010, in ANIC.

Kellyia milmani (Girault, 1927)^I

Cryptothrips milmani Girault, 1927: 2.

Biology: Recorded from New Caledonia [43] under the synonymic name Kellyia biadenes in Acacia spirorbis galls; in Australia on Acacia harpophylla [44].

Distribution: Known only from Australia Queensland; recorded in New Caledonia, from Koné County (Oundjo District) in Province Nord [43].

Material examined: Not observed during the present study.

Leeuwenia angulata Bianchi, 1952^E

Leeuwenia angulata Bianchi, 1952: 388.

Biology: Leeuwenia species breed on leaves, sometimes inducing galls or leaf rolls.

Distribution: Described from New Caledonia Province Sud, Mont-Dore County (Saint-Louis) from single female in 1950.

Material examined: Farino County, collected by beating unknown vegetation, 07.X.2004; Koumac County (Néhoué), in rainforest, 09.XII.2004; Ouégoa County (Mont Mandjélia), 12.XII.2004; Sarraméa County, Mont Rembaï, fogging palms, 19.XII.2004, in ANIC.

Leichhardtithrips evanidus Tree & Mound, 2013^N

“Leichhardt’s vanishing thrips”

Leichhardtithrips evanidus Tree & Mound, 2013: 377.

Biology: Feeding on fungal hyphae on dead plant tissues or in leaf-litter.

Distribution: Described from one female taken by bark spraying in Australia, Queensland; recorded from New Caledonia, Dumbéa County (Mont Nondoué) in Province Sud by fogging in sclerophyll forest [45], in CIRAD.

Material examined: Not observed during the present study.

Litotetothrips caledonensis (Bournier, 1993)^N

Athlibothrips caledonensis Bournier, 1993: 361.

Biology: Breeding on and inducing curling of leaves of Codia discolor, Geissois racemosa and Pancheria alaternoides.

Distribution: Described from New Caledonia in Province Sud, Dumbéa County (Mont Koghi) [5]; subsequently recorded from Boulouparis County (Réserve spéciale de faune et de flore du Mont Do) and Yaté County; also in Queensland, Australia [46].

Material examined: Yaté County (Goro District), from young rolled leaves of Codia spathulata (Cunoniaceae), 21.IV.2017 and 17.VIII.2017; also from Arillastrum gummiferrum (Myrtaceae), 21.XII.2016; Boulouparis County (Réserve spéciale de faune et de flore du Mont Do), from apical leaves of Pancheria, 16.IV.2012; Yaté County (Parc Provincial de la Rivière Bleue), from rolled leaves of Pancheria, 07.IV.2012, in ANIC and CXMNC.

Macrophthalmothrips neocaledonensis Bournier, 1997^N

Macrophthalmothrips neocaledonensis Bournier, 1997: 147.

Biology: Fungus-feeding on dead branches of Araucaria, Toona and Melia; adults brightly colored, with large red eyes and black body with white and yellow markings.

Distribution: Described from New Caledonia, Dumbéa County (Mont Nondoué); recorded subsequently from Norfolk Island, Australia [47].

Material examined: Farino County, collected by beating unknown vegetation, 07.X.2004 and 13.IV.2012; Boulouparis County (La Ouenghi District), on Acropogon sp. (Malvaceae), 28.V.2015; Dumbéa County (Mont Nondoué), paratype male, 03.VII.1992, in ANIC and CXMNC.

Neocecidothrips pacificus (Bianchi, 1952)^E

Arrhenothrips pacificus Bianchi, 1952: 385.

Biology: Living in rolled leaves of unidentified plants [48].

Distribution: Known only from New Caledonia (Province Sud), Yaté County (Bois du Sud) in 1950.

Material examined: Not observed during the present study.

Neohoodiella grandisetis Bournier, 1997^E

Neohoodiella grandisetis Bournier, 1997: 145.

Biology: Fungus-feeding on dead branches.

Distribution: Known only from New Caledonia, Yaté County in Parc Provincial de la Rivière Bleue [5].

Material examined: Not observed during the present study.

Podothrips xanthopus Hood, 1919^N

Podothrips xanthopus Hood. 1919: 82.

Biology: Predator of Coccoidea on Poaceae and Bambusaceae [5]. There is a doubtful record of the species as a pest on Vitis spp. under the bark and on fallen leaves [49]. This species could be enhanced in New Caledonian ACP or IPM programs.

Distribution: From Australia, subsequently recorded from New Caledonia, Nouméa County [26].

Material examined: Not observed during the present study.

Pseudophilothrips varicornis (Hood, 1912)*^I

“Hollyhock thrips”

Liothrips varicornis Hood, 1912: 74.

Biology: Large colonies including bright red larvae on several genera of Malvaceae: Althea, Hibiscus, Sida and Sphaeralcea [39]; dispersing adults sometimes on grass and weeds [4].

Distribution: Described from Mexico, now known from Bahamas, California, and French Polynesia; reported in New Caledonia (Province Sud) from Païta, originally in 2010 [42], but here newly recorded.

Material examined: Païta County (La Tamoa District), on Hibiscus rosa-sinensis leaves, 15.VII.2010; also, same place and same plant, 25.III.2011, and 21.I.2020, in ANIC and CXMNC.

Sophiothrips typicus (Ananthakrishnan, 1964)^N

Nanothrips typicus Ananthakrishnan, 1964: 120.

Biology: Fungivore on dead branches and in leaf-litter; adults are amongst the smallest Phlaeothripidae.

Distribution: Described from Madras in India, recorded from Taiwan region and Indonesia; recorded in New Caledonia, Dumbéa County (Mont Nondoué) in Province Sud, by fogging in sclerophyll forest, 3.VII.1992 [45], in CIRAD.

Material examined: Not observed during the present study.

Stephanothrips cf. cuneatus (Zhao & Tong, 2016)^E

Baenothrips cf. cuneatus Zhao & Tong, 2016: 68.

Biology: Species of this genus live in leaf litter but flying adults land on various plants.

Distribution: Described from southern China from a single female [13]; one female macroptera recorded in New Caledonia, Yaté County, Parc Provincial de la Rivière Bleue, in Province Sud, in CIRAD [45]. This identification remains tentative.

Material examined: Not observed during the present study.

Stephanothrips occidentalis Hood & Williams, 1925^I

Stephanothrips occidentalis Hood & Williams, 1925: 69.

Biology: Fungivore, usually apterous, on dead branches, twigs and leaves.

Distribution: Described from Caribbean Islands but widespread in tropical and subtropical countries, including Australia, Torres Strait Islands, northern Queensland, and Norfolk Island; recorded New Caledonia for the first time in 1992 [27], from the North of Poya County (Pindaï District) in Province Nord, and Yaté County, Parc Provincial de la Rivière Bleue [5], in ANIC.

Material examined: La Foa County, collected by beating twigs, 05.IV.2012, in ANIC.

Teuchothrips cleistanthi (Bournier, 1975)^E

Hoplothrips (Odontoplothrips) cleistanthi Bournier, 1975: 323.

Biology: Living in rolled leaves of Cleistanthus sp.

Distribution: Known only from New Caledonia, Province Nord, Koumac County (Palachidji), single female on leaves galls of Cleistanthus in 1973 [5], in MNHN.

Material examined: Not observed during the present study.

Teuchothrips kraussi (Bournier, 1993)^E

Oncothrips kraussi Bournier, 1993: 363.

Biology: Living in rolled leaves of an unidentified plant.

Distribution: Known only from New Caledonia, Dumbéa County (Mont Koghi) in rolled leaves of an unidentified plant [48], in MNHN.

Material examined: Not observed during the present study.

Teuchothrips noumeaensis Bournier, 1993^E

Teuchothrips noumeaensis Bournier, 1993: 357.

Biology: Living in rolled leaves of Hibbertia tontoutensis (Dilleniaceae).

Distribution: Known only from New Caledonia Province Sud, Païta County (Vallée de La Tontouta) 50km north of Nouméa, male and females [48], in MNHN.

Material examined: Not observed during the present study.

Teuchothrips ornatus Bournier, 1993^E

Teuchothrips ornatus Bournier, 1993: 359.

Biology: Living in rolled leaves of Hibbertia lucens, a species considered endangered (EN) by the UICN Red List of Threaten Species [50].

Distribution: Known only from New Caledonia Province Sud, described from Mont Koghi, subsequently recorded from Boulouparis County (Réserve spéciale de faune et de flore du Mont Do) located at 80km northwest of Nouméa a series of both sexes taken from the apical buds of a Hibbertia species [48], in ANIC.

Material examined: Not observed during the present study.

Yarnkothrips kolourus Mound & Walker, 1986^N

Yarnkothrips kolourus Mound & Walker, 1986: 83.

Biology: Possibly a predator of scale insects (Coccoidea), often taken on dead stems or dead branches and possibly also a predator of small arthropods.

Distribution: Described from New Zealand, subsequently collected in Australia (New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, and Norfolk Island); recorded from New Caledonia, La Foa County, from dead Ocimum stems [51].

Material examined: Not observed during the present study.

THRIPIDAE—DENDROTHRIPINAE (3)

Dendrothrips reticulatus Bournier, 1997^E

Dendrothrips reticulatus Bournier, 1997: 140.

Biology: Breeding on leaves.

Distribution: Known only from New Caledonia, Dumbéa County (Mont Nondoué) and Thio County on Psidium leaves [5].

Material examined: Not observed during the present study.

Ensiferothrips primus Bianchi, 1945^N

Ensiferothrips primus Bianchi, 1945: 266.

Biology: Breeding on leaves of several Moraceae, including Trophis scandens, Streblus brunonianus and Malaisia scandens [5].

Distribution: Described from New Caledonia, Dumbéa and Bourail counties in Province Sud, also known from Poya, Pouembout and Hienghène counties in Province Nord; subsequently recorded in eastern Australia [52].

Material examined: Bourail County, collected by beating Diospyros fasciculosa (Ebenaceae), 14.IV.2012, in ANIC and CXMNC.

Filicopsothrips wellsae Mound, 1999^E

Filicopsothrips wellsae Mound, 1999: 268.

Biology: Collected from a tree fern.

Distribution: Known only from the original specimens, described from New Caledonia in Yaté County (Parc Provincial de la Rivière Bleue) in wet forest, taken from young fronds of Dicksonia sp. and from La Foa County on ?Cyathea frond in wet forest, in MNHN and ANIC.

Material examined: Not observed during the present study.

THRIPIDAE—PANCHAETOTHRIPINAE (8)

Copidothrips octarticulatus (Schmutz, 1913)*^I

“Sweet-potato thrips”

Heliothrips (Parthenothrips) octarticulata Schmutz, 1913: 993.

Biology: Often on Ipomoea leaves, but apparently polyphagous; recorded from Piper methysticum in Pohnpei (Federated States of Micronesia), and damaging leaves of Spathoglottis sp. and Aglaonema sp. in Darwin, Australia [53].

Distribution: Described from Sri Lanka but recorded from Taiwan region, Seychelles Islands, northern Australia including Christmas Island, some Pacific Islands and recently from French Polynesia [54]; here newly recorded from New Caledonia main island (Grande Terre) in La Foa County (Province Sud) and from Hwadrilla District in Ouvéa Island (Province des Iles Loyauté).

Material examined: La Foa County, Fruit Pocquereux Research Station (IAC), pitfall trap in Citrus orchard, 27.V.2015; Ouvéa Island County (Hwadrilla District), from soil in coconut plantation, 14.III.2017; Yaté County (Port Boisé camp) on Decalobanthus peltatus (Convolvulaceae), 30.VIII.2022, in ANIC and CXMNC.

Elixothrips brevisetis (Bagnall, 1919)*^I

“Banana rind thrips”

Tryphactothrips brevisetis Bagnall, 1919: 257, 1921: 264.

Biology: Leaf feeding on many different plants, including rust damage to banana fruit in Martinique.

Distribution: Described from Seychelles but recorded from Taiwan region, Philippines, Pacific Islands and northern Australia [12]; here newly recorded from Bourail County in New Caledonia, Province Sud.

Material examined: Bourail County, from Talipariti tiliaceum (=Hibiscus tiliaceus) 14.IV.2012, in ANIC and CXMNC.

Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis (Bouché, 1833)^I

“Greenhouse thrips” or “Black tea thrips”

Thrips haemorrhoidalis Bouché, 1833: 42.

Biology: Leaf-feeding on many plants, including tea, Pinus spp. and ferns [12]; in New Caledonia on avocado, citrus, guava, macadamia, and mango trees [55]; particularly on older senescing leaves and on stressed plants, but sometimes a pest on young avocado fruits [55].

Distribution: Found worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions, and in greenhouses in temperate areas [53]; listed from New Caledonia [5], in Dumbéa County (Mont Nondoué), Yaté County (Parc Provincial de la Rivière Bleue) and Farino County near waterfall.

Material examined: Bourail County, by beating unknown plants, 14.IV.2012, in ANIC.

Hercinothrips bicinctus (Bagnall, 1919)^I

“Banana thrips”

Heliothrips bicinctus Bagnall, 1919: 258.

Biology: Feeding on leaves of many plant species and often abundant on older leaves [53]; in New Caledonia recorded from Passiflora leaves.

Distribution: An African species but now pantropical; listed from Thio County in New Caledonia, Province Sud, several females and abundant larvae taken on Passiflora leaves [5].

Material examined: Not observed during the present study.

Hercinothrips femoralis (Reuter, 1891)*^I

“Banded greenhouse thrips”

Heliothrips femoralis O.M. Reuter, 1891: 166.

Biology: Causing leaf damage on many different plants [53]; larvae soil leaves with unsightly dark droplets; feeding causes irregular discolored areas on leaves.

Distribution: An African species, but now widespread in glasshouses of temperate areas, including North America, Europe, Japan, Korea, Australia, and New Zealand; here newly recorded from Nouméa and Mont-Dore counties in New Caledonia.

Material examined: Nouméa County, Magenta District, on lettuce leaves, 20.IV.2021; Mont-Dore County, Mouirange District, from parsley stems and leaves, 11.I.2023, in CXMNC.

Pennathrips bournierorum Goldarazena, Michel & Mound, 2021^E

Pennathrips bournierorum Goldarazena, Michel & Mound, 2021: 145.

Biology: Presumably feeding on leaves of some plant species.

Distribution: Known only from New Caledonia, Dumbéa County (Mont Nondoué) by fogging in sclerophilous forest; Yaté County (Parc Provincial de la Rivière Bleue); Farino County, waterfall, from dead twigs and, from Boulouparis County (Réserve spéciale de faune et de flore du Mont Do) by beaten vegetation, in ANIC, CIRAD, MNHN, NHM.

Material examined: Not observed during the present study.

Phibalothrips longiceps (Karny, 1913)^N

Heliothrips longiceps Karny, 1913: 123.

Biology: Breeding on Poaceae leaves [53].

Distribution: Described from New Britain, recorded from Fiji Islands, Papua New Guinea, and across tropical Australia; recorded from New Caledonia, Farino County waterfall (Province Sud); also in Houaïlou County (Province Nord), both on herbs [5]. Also intercepted from Australia on cauliflower in February 2021 (CXMNC).

Material examined: Bourail County, Poe Beach, 20.XII.1998; La Foa County, 05.IV.2012, in ANIC.

Selenothrips rubrocinctus (Giard, 1901)^I

“Red-banded thrips”

Physopus rubrocincta Giard, 1901: 264.

Biology: Breeding on many unrelated hard-leaves plants, including Cacao, Persea and Mangifera, causing considerable leaf silvering and distortion, injury to fruit, and dark colored droplets on leaf surface; recorded on avocado, guava, macadamia and mango trees in New Caledonia [55]; on Malay apple (Syzygium malaccense) and S. inophylloides on Wallis Island; on avocado on Futuna Island [30]; water-stressed plants are more susceptible.

Distribution: Originally from Neotropics, now pantropical, extending into subtropical areas such as Florida [53]; recorded from New Caledonia at or near Nouméa County [26], and from Nouméa, La Foa and Bourail counties [5], also known from the Archipelago of Wallis and Futuna [30].

Material examined: Koné County, on Litchi chinensis, 23.III.2005; La Foa County, on same plant, 16.VI.2006; Koné County, on Syzygium malaccense 15.VI.2017; La Foa County, on Psidium guajava 29.IV.2020; La Foa County, Popidéry District, on Cuphea sp., 17.VI.2022, in ANIC and CXMNC.

THRIPIDAE—SERICOTHRIPINAE (1)

Neohydatothrips gracilipes (Hood, 1924)^I

Sericothrips gracilipes Hood, 1924: 149.

Biology: Breeding on leaves of various weedy species of Sida, as well as other Malvaceae.

Distribution: Described from Mexico but occurs widely in tropical and subtropical countries including India, Northern Australia to Hawai’i; recorded from New Caledonia, Province Nord, Koné District at 40 km East [56], in ANIC.

Material examined: Not observed during the present study.

THRIPIDAE—THRIPINAE (43)

Anaphothrips sudanensis Trybom, 1911^I

“Wheat thrips” or “Maize thrips”

Anaphothrips sudanensis Trybom, 1911: 1.

Biology: Feeding in leaf axils of Poaceae [39].

Distribution: Worldwide in tropical and subtropical areas including Australia; listed from New Caledonia, from Nouméa County in Province Sud and from the North part of Poya County (Népoui District) in Province Nord [5].

Material examined: Bourail County, from small Poaceae, 13.IV.2012, in ANIC and CXMNC.

Anaphothrips swezeyi Moulton, 1928^I

Anaphothrips swezeyi Moulton, 1928: 107.

Biology: Breeding on leaves of various Poaceae [39].

Distribution: Described from Hawai’i (USA) on sugarcane, also found in coastal regions of Queensland, Australia; listed from New Caledonia [5], from Nouméa and Bourail counties (Le Cap District) in Province Sud, also from the North of Poya County (Népoui District) in Province Nord, in ANIC.

Material examined: Not observed during the present study.

Arorathrips mexicanus (D.L. Crawford, 1909)^I

Chirothrips mexicana D.L. Crawford, 1909: 114.

Biology: Breeding in individual florets of several Poaceae [39].

Distribution: A Neotropical species but now worldwide in tropical and sub-tropical regions; recorded in New Caledonia [5] from Bourail County (Le Cap District) in Province Sud and Houaïlou County in Province Nord.

Material examined: Bourail County, collected on grasses, 13.IV.2012, in ANIC and CXMNC.

Ayyaria chaetophora Karny, 1927*^I

Ayyaria chaetophora Karny, 1927: 193.

Biology: Breeding on Canavallia sp. and Glycine max leaves, but adults sometimes found on various plants.

Distribution: Here newly recorded from La Foa in New Caledonia. An Asian species recorded in northern Australia, Christmas Island (Indian Ocean), Tahiti (French Polynesia), India, Japan, Philippines and Taiwan region [53].

Material examined: La Foa County, along the RM 16 road between the farm “La Petite Ferme” and the Fruit Pocquereux Research Station (IAC), on Canavallia and Pueraria leaves, 12.IV.2012, in ANIC.

Bolacothrips pulcher (Girault, 1929)^N

Plesiothrips pulcher Girault, 1929: 3.

Biology: Breeding on leaves of native Poaceae in Australia [53].

Distribution: Previously known only from Australia until found from Bourail County (Le Cap District), New Caledonia [5], in ANIC.

Material examined: Not observed during the present study.

Bregmatothrips binervis (Kobus, 1893)^N

Thrips binervis Kobus, 1893: 158.

Biology: Breeding on leaves of Poaceae [53].

Distribution: Described from Java, but also described from New Caledonia under the name Diarthrothrips saccharicollus Bianchi (1945); recorded from Australia, India, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea; New Caledonia, Province Sud, counties of Nouméa, Bourail (Le Cap District) and Yaté (Parc Provincial de la Rivière bleue) [5].

Material examined: Not observed during the present study.

Caprithrips insularis Beshear, 1975^I

Caprithrips insularis Beshear, 1975: 500.

Biology: Breeding on leaves of Poaceae [53].

Distribution: Described from USA (Georgia), but known from Australia (Queensland), Surinam, Trinidad and Kiribati; recorded in New Caledonia Bourail County (Le Cap District) [5], in ANIC.

Material examined: Not observed during the present study.

Caprithrips orientalis Bhatti, 1973^I

Caprithrips orientalis Bhatti, 1973: 478.

Biology: An apterous species breeding on leaves of Poaceae [53].

Distribution: Probably originally from India but known from Australia (Queensland) and Fiji Islands; recorded in New Caledonia [5], Bourail County (Le Cap District), in ANIC.

Material examined: Not observed during the present study.

Chaetanaphothrips leeuweni (Karny, 1914)*^I

“Rust thrips of banana”

Euthrips leeuweni Karny, 1914: 358.

Biology: Leaf-feeding and sometimes a pest on Musa leaves, but also taken on Grevillea leaves.

Distribution: Described from Java but widespread in tropical and subtropical countries, Australia (Northern Territory), Guam, India, Indonesia, West Indies and China; here newly recorded from Boulouparis County in New Caledonia, Province Sud.

Material examined: Boulouparis County (Réserve spéciale de faune et de flore du Mont Do), taken on young leaves of Grevillea, 16.IV.2012, in ANIC and CXMNC.

Chaetanaphothrips orchidii (Moulton, 1907)*^I

“Anthurium thrips”

Euthrips orchidii Moulton, 1907: 52

Biology: A leaf-feeding pest of orchids, also on Anthurium, avocado, banana, citrus and many ornamentals.

Distribution: Widespread in tropical and subtropical countries, and greenhouses of temperate regions [53]; here newly recorded from Païta County in New Caledonia, Province Sud.

Material examined: Païta County (Mont Mou District), on cut flowers of Anthurium, 08.III.2004; on unknown host and without precise location, 08.III.2005, in ANIC.

Chaetanaphothrips signipennis (Bagnall, 1914)*^I

“Banana rust thrips”

Scirtothrips signipennis Bagnall, 1914: 22.

Biology: Feeding on young immature fruits, flowers and foliage of Anthurium, Cordyline, Dracaena, and Musa; also immature orange, tangerine, tomato and green beans causing discoloration, silvering or bronzing of injured tissues [57].

Distribution: Widespread in tropical countries [53] including America, Australia, Brazil, Fiji Islands, India and Sri Lanka; here newly recorded from New Caledonia in Province Sud.

Material examined: Nouméa County, on Anthurium; Païta County (Mont Mou District), on cut flowers of Anthurium, 08.III.2004; Dumbéa County (La Couvelée District), on Anthurium, 02.IV.2015; Yaté County (Goro District) in Prony Resources New Caledonia Nursery, on Cordyline neocaledonica, 10.IX.2015, 21.IV.2017 and 17.VIII.2017; Dumbéa County, on Anthurium flowers, 30.VI.2020 and 24.VII.20; Dumbéa County, on Dendrobium flowers; Sarraméa County, on Anthurium flowers, 21.VII.20, in ANIC and CXMNC.

Chirothrips ah Girault, 1929^I

Chirothrips ah Girault, 1929: 1.

Biology: Breeding and pupating within individual florets of Poaceae; transported around world in commercial grass seeds [58].

Distribution: Described from Australia (Queensland and Northern New South Wales), recorded from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, South Africa [53]; listed from New Caledonia [59] in Nouméa County and Bourail County (Le Cap District) from grasses.

Material examined: Bourail County, on dead twigs and Eichhornia crassipes flowers (Pontederiaceae), 13.IV.2012; Boulouparis County (Réserve spéciale de faune et de flore du Mont Do), 16.IV.2012, in ANIC.

Dendrothripoides innoxius (Karny, 1914)^I

Euthrips innoxius Karny, 1914: 359.

Biology: Breeding on leaves of Ipomoea sp. [53].

Distribution: Described from Java, but widespread around world in tropics and subtropics; in New Caledonia, adults were found in East of Pouembout County in Province Nord [5].

Material examined: Not observed during the present study.

Dichromothrips corbetti (Priesner, 1936)*^I

“Orchid thrips”

Anaphothrips corbetti Priesner, 1936: 209.

Biology: Considered a minor pest on leaves and flowers of orchids, such as Vanda spp [53].

Distribution: Originally Oriental, now worldwide on cultivated orchids; here newly recorded from Nouméa County in New Caledonia.

Material examined: Nouméa County (Val Plaisance District), on flower buds of orchids, 03.VII.2015, in CXMNC.

Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande, 1895)^I

“Western flower thrips”

Euthrips occidentalis Pergande, 1895: 392.

Biology: Breeds on leaves and in flowers of many different plants; an important tospovirus vector; causes some feeding damage on developing fruits, locally reported as biocontrol agent against leaf mites [53].

Distribution: Originally from Western USA, but now worldwide in temperate areas; listed from Païta County in New Caledonia [5]. Since 2008, regularly intercepted on the New Caledonia borders on imported vegetables [59], from Australia, New Zealand and France, in CXMNC.

Material examined: Païta County, Mont Mou District at the nursery Pépinière Dheurle, taken on Rosa flowers, 20.II.2003, Katiramona District, on Lactuca sativa, 15.IV.2003 and 04.VI.2008; La Tamoa District, on Capsicum annuum, 30.III.2007 and 04.VI.2008; Dumbéa County, on Rosa flowers, 24.IV.2020 and 30.VI.2020; on Lycopersicon esculentum and Lactuca sativa, 18.XII.2015, 30.VIII.2018, 10.IX.2019; also taken on Anthurium, 30.VI.2020; on Dendrobium, 24.VII.2020; on Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis and on Solanum lycopersicum, 06.X.2023, in CIRAD, ANIC and CXMNC.

Frankliniella schultzei (Trybom, 1910)^I

“Common blossom thrips”, “Tomato thrips” or “Cotton bud thrips”

Physopus schultzei Trybom, 1910: 151.

Biology: Breeds on leaves and in flowers of many different plants; a vector of tospoviruses on many crops, sometimes feeds on leaf mites and possibly useful in biocontrol.

Distribution: Recorded from New Caledonia on Nerium sp. (Apocynaceae) without any place record [59], but widespread in tropical countries [53].

Material examined: La Foa County, Fruit Pocquereux Research Station (IAC), on Citrus flowers, 03.IX.2002, in CIRAD; Pouembout County, from Cucumis melo, 21.VI.2007; Boulouparis County (La Ouenghi District), on Oryza and Crotalaria, 16.IV.2012; Bourail County, by beating dead stems of Eichhornia crassipes, 13.IV.2012; Sarraméa County, from trap under Cajanus and Carica, 17.IV.2015, in ANIC and CXMNC.

Frankliniella williamsi Hood, 1915*^I

“Corn thrips”

Frankliniella williamsi Hood, 1915: 19.

Biology: Breeding on Zea mays leaves, particularly in leaf axils; causing heavy damage on maize seedlings in New Caledonia in 2014 [60]; considered a minor pest in Australia but has caused up to 100% seed loss on Zea mays in Hawai’i [61]; possibly living on other Poaceae such as Saccharum [53].

Distribution: Originally from Central America but recorded widely in tropical areas around the world; reported from Boulouparis and Pouembout counties in New Caledonia [62], here newly recorded.

Material examined: Boulouparis County (La Ouenghi District), from leaf axils of Zea mays, 31.X.2014; Pouembout County, from leaf axils of maize and Sorghum, 05.XI.2014, in ANIC and CXMNC.

Lefroyothrips varatharajani Rachana & Manjunath, 2020^I

Lefroyothrips varatharajani Rachana & Manjunath, 2020: 592.

Biology: Apparently breeding in flowers rather than on leaves.

Distribution: Described from southern India, but subsequently recorded from Western Australia and New Caledonia in La Foa from Pouteria sapota flowers [63], in ANIC.

Material examined: Not observed during the present study.

Megalurothrips usitatus (Bagnall, 1913)^I

“Bean flower thrips”

Physothrips usitatus Bagnall, 1913: 293.

Biology: Breeding in Fabaceae flowers, including Arachis, Glycine and Vigna spp.

Distribution: An Oriental species, India to Japan including northern Australia, Fiji Islands and Eastern Mediterranean [53]; listed from New Caledonia in Païta County (Province Sud), also from Pouembout and Hienghène counties in Province Nord [5].

Material examined: La Foa and Bourail counties, from Canavallia flowers, 12-16.IV.2012; Boulouparis County (La Ouenghi District), from Crotalaria, 16.IV.2012, in ANIC and CXMNC.

Microcephalothrips abdominalis (D.L. Crawford, 1910)^I

“Sunflower thrips”

Thrips abdominalis D.L. Crawford, 1910: 157.

Biology: Breeding in flowers of various Asteraceae.

Distribution: Worldwide in tropical and subtropical areas [53]; listed from New Caledonia, Farino County waterfall by only one female [5].

Material examined: Dumbéa County, on Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum, 26.X.2017; La Foa County, Fruit Pocquereux Research Station (IAC), from Citrus sinensis flowers, 04.X.2022, in ANIC and CXMNC.

Oxythrips festivus Bianchi, 1952^E

Oxythrips festivus Bianchi, 1952: 389.

Biology: Nothing is known of the biology of this species.

Distribution: Known only from the original description, based on specimens taken in New Caledonia, Yaté County, Bois du Sud in Province Sud.

Material examined: Not observed during the present study.

Pezothrips kellyanus (Bagnall, 1916)^I

“Kelly’s citrus thrips”

Physothrips kellyanus Bagnall, 1916: 219.

Biology: Breeding in scented flowers and immature fruit of various unrelated plants; considered a serious pest causing feeding damage on Citrus in southern Australia as well as Mediterranean countries [53].

Distribution: Described from Australia, but found widely in New Zealand, southern France, Greece, southern Italy, Sicily, Spain, Cyprus, and Turkey; both sexes with larvae seen from Washington State, northwest USA; listed from New Caledonia, Nouméa and Bourail counties (Province Sud), also from Hienghène County (Province Nord) on Apocynaceae [5].

Material examined: Nouméa County, from flower of Wikstroemia indica, 08.IV.2012; Païta County, Mont Mou District, on Cerbera mangas, 20.X.2020, in ANIC and CXMNC.

Plesiothrips perplexus (Beach, 1896)^I

Sericothrips perplexus Beach, 1896: 216.

Biology: Breeding in Poaceae florets, including sugarcane [53] and Cynodon dactylon.

Distribution: Possibly originally from Southeastern USA, but now widespread in tropical and subtropical regions; in Australia from Queensland, New South Wales and Lord Howe Island [53]; listed from New Caledonia, Bourail County with one female [5], in ANIC.

Material examined: Not observed during the present study.

Rhamphothrips pandens Sakimura, 1983^I

Rhamphothrips pandens Sakimura, 1983: 299.

Biology: In Western Australia adults recorded with larvae on Cassytha; adults recorded on leaves of various plants.

Distribution: Described from Hawai’i, but present in Florida (USA) and Jamaica; recorded widely on Caribbean and Pacific Islands including Kiribati, as well as Australia (Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia) [53]; listed from New Caledonia, Province Nord, Pouembout County, females from Malaisia scandens leaves and in Province Sud, Bourail County [5], in ANIC.

Material examined: Not observed during the present study.

Salpingothrips aimotofus Kudo, 1972*^I

Salpingothrips aimotofus Kudo, 1972: 230.

Biology: Breeding on leaves of Pueraria (Kudzu) [53].

Distribution: Described from Japan, but recorded from Georgia and Florida, USA, and known from Australia (Queensland); here newly recorded from La Foa County in New Caledonia (Province Sud).

Material examined: La Foa County, collected by beating leaves of Pueraria, 12.IV.2012, in ANIC and CXMNC.

Scirtothrips albomaculatus Bianchi, 1945^N

Scirtothrips albomaculatus Bianchi, 1945: 263.

Biology: Breeding on leaves of many plants in Australia [53], sometimes causing minor damage to citrus fruits.

Distribution: Described originally from New Caledonia, Nouméa County [26] and next, from Yaté (Parc Provincial de la Rivière Bleue) and Bourail counties in the Province Sud, and in the Province Nord in Pouembout and Koné counties [5]; otherwise known only from Australia (New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Lord Howe Island) [53].

Material examined: La Foa County, Fruit Pocquereux Research Station (IAC), on Citrus flowers, 28.II.2003; Nili District, on Litchi chinensis leaves, 16.VI.2006; on Acacia spirorbis (Fabaceae), Nouméa County, 08.IV.2012, in ANIC, CIRAD and CXMNC.

Scirtothrips australiae Hood, 1919^N

Scirtothrips australiae Hood, 1919: 75.

Biology: Recorded on leaves of many plants in Australia [53], but possibly representing a species complex.

Distribution: Described from, and recorded widely across, Australia, also in Samoa; recorded from New Caledonia, in 1992, Yaté County in Parc Provincial de la Rivière Bleue [27].

Material examined: Boulouparis County (Réserve spéciale de faune et de flore du Mont Do), on young leaves of Grevillea, 16.IV.2012, in CXMNC. This identification needs further confirmation.

Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood, 1919^I

“Yellow tea thrips” or “Chilli thrips”

Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood, 1919: 90.

Biology: Breeding on young tissues damaging many crops including chilli pepper, tea, grapes and strawberry plants; significant pest in several countries and recorded as a virus vector (YSV and TSWV) in India; heavy damage on Litchi chinensis in New Caledonia early in the 2000’s, with distorted, curled, often crispy leaves showing virus-like damage [55].

Distribution: Described from India, but widespread from Pakistan to Japan and Australia in tropical areas; known in Israel and Caribbean region, and more recently in Southern Europe; listed in New Caledonia, Province Nord, from Pouembout and Voh counties, on Leucaena [5].

Material examined: Nouméa County, on Bougainvillea spectabilis, 21.I.2009; Païta County, from Fragaria, 18.I.2011; La Foa County, Fruit Pocquereux Research Station (IAC), on Citrus sinensis flowers, 04.X.2022, in ANIC and CXMNC.

Thrips bianchii (Sakimura, 1969)^E

Taeniothrips (Isochaetothrips) bianchii Sakimura, 1969: 77.

Biology: Apparently polyphagous, large numbers on white flowers of Psychotria and Melaleuca quinquenervia [64].

Distribution: Known only from New Caledonia; described from Bourail (Poe Beach) on ?Psychotria flowers (Rubiaceae), La Foa, Thio and Nouméa counties in Province Sud, also from Hienghène County in Province Nord.

Material examined: Boulouparis County, from Melaleuca quinquenervia flowers, 21.V.2001; La Foa County, Fruit Pocquereux Research Station (IAC), on Citrus, 03.IX.2002, also 08.X.2018; Yaté County (Réserve botanique spéciale du Pic du Pin), from Lethedon sp. (Thymelaeaceae), 15.VIII.2005; Nouméa County, from Wikstroemia indica flowers, 08.IV.2012, in ANIC, CIRAD, CXMNC.

Thrips diana Mound & Masumoto, 2005^E

Thrips diana Mound & Masumoto, 2005: 22.

Biology: The biology of this species remains unknown.

Distribution: Known only from New Caledonia, Province Sud in Nouméa at the Parc Zoologique et Forestier Michel Corbasson, in MNHN; here newly recorded from Yandé Island (Poum County) in Province Nord.

Material examined: La Foa County, from purple flowers of vine, 09.IV.2012; Poum County, Yandé Island, from Eugenia sp., 05.X.2005, in ANIC and CXMNC.

Thrips hawaiiensis (Morgan, 1913)^I

“Hawaiian flower thrips”

Euthrips hawaiiensis Morgan, 1913: 3.

Biology: Found in flowers of many plants; sometimes considered a pest causing feeding damage [53].

Distribution: Widespread in Asia and Pacific, also southern states of USA and Jamaica; common in Australia in northeastern coastal regions [64]; first noted in New Caledonia from La Foa, in 2002 [65], in CIRAD, officially recorded subsequently [66].

Material examined: La Foa County, Fruit Pocquereux Research Station (IAC), Musa flowers, 31.V.2002, 08.IV.2012; Païta County (La Tontouta District), on Rosa, 11.IV.2006; Dumbéa County (Nondoué District), on Musa flowers, 02.IV.2010; Bourail County (Gouaro District), on garden flowers, 13.IV.2012; same place, on Musa flowers, 30.VIII.2022, Moindou County, on Kyllinga sp. leaves, 16.VI.2022, in ANIC, CIRAD and CXMNC.

Thrips imaginis Bagnall, 1926^I

“Australian plague thrips”

Thrips imaginis Bagnall, 1926: 111.

Biology: In flowers of many unrelated native and introduced plant species; an important pest in 1930’s on apple trees, grape vines, and strawberries [64] but less significant in recent years [53].

Distribution: Described from, and widespread across Australia, also recorded from New Zealand [53]; listed from New Caledonia in Nouméa on Rosa and Lantana flowers [56]; same locality on Citrus flowers and from La Foa on Acacia spirorbis flowers and from Bourail on grasses [5]; regularly intercepted each year since 2016 in New Caledonia on fruit and vegetables imported from Australia [67].

Material examined: Not observed during the present study.

Thrips insignis (Bianchi, 1945)^E

Isochaetothrips insignis Bianchi, 1945: 274.

Biology: Host unknown, but both sexes collected from flowers Eriaxis rigida [5].

Distribution: Known only from New Caledonia in the Province Sud; described from Dumbéa County, District of Yahoué, but recorded from Yaté County, Parc Provincial de la Rivière Bleue.

Material examined: Not observed during the present study.

Thrips maculicollis (Hood, 1918)^I

Physothrips maculicollis Hood, 1918: 122.

Biology: In New Caledonia, recorded from Fagraea berteroana flowers [53], on Citrus flowers; and flowers of unidentified Apocynaceae, and Cunoniaceae species [64].

Distribution: Described from Australia (Queensland) and known from Hawai’i; listed from New Caledonia, Province Sud, in Farino County (Waterfall) from Fagraea schlechteri flowers and in Bourail County [5], in ANIC.

Material examined: Not observed during the present study.

Thrips novocaledonensis (Bianchi, 1945)^N

Taeniothrips novocaledonensis Bianchi, 1945: 270.

Biology: In flowers of various herbs and shrubs; in New Caledonia from Oxera neriifolia; in Australia from Lantana and Rosa flowers [64].

Distribution: Described from New Caledonia, Province Sud, from Dumbéa (Vallée de Yahoué) [26] and listed from Yaté, La Foa, Farino and Bourail counties [5]; recorded from Vanuatu and Australia, also Norfolk Island where it is the dominant flower thrips [47].

Material examined: Bourail County, Gouaro District and La Foa County, Fruit Pocquereux Research Station (IAC), 20.VI.2002, 03.IX.2002 and 08.X.2018, both sexes taken from Citrus flowers; Païta County, Mont Humboldt, from Hedycarya, 12.II.2005; Mont Dore County, Saint-Louis Research Station, on Ixora and on Atractocarpus flowers, 31.VII.2006 and 13.IV.2007; Farino County, on Passiflora quadrangularis flowers, 18.VIII.2010; Païta County, from Capsicum annuum flowers and leaves, 04.IX.2010; La Foa County, Fruit Pocquereux Research Station (IAC), 03.VII.2002; on Acacia spirorbis flowers, 06.IV.2012; Bourail County, Gouaro District, also on garden flowers, 13.IV.2012; Boulouparis County (Réserve spéciale de faune et de flore du Mont Do), on Smilax flowers, 07.IV.2012 and 16.IV.2012, in ANIC, CIRAD, CXMNC.

Thrips orientalis (Bagnall, 1915)^I

Isoneurothrips orientalis Bagnall, 1915: 593.

Biology: In white, scented flowers such as Gardenia, Jasminum, Plumeria and Glossocarya hemiderma [53].

Distribution: Widespread in tropical Asia from India to Japan, also recorded in Australia (Queensland), Florida and Hawai’i (USA), Tanzania and Trinidad [53]; listed from New Caledonia, in Bourail County, Province Sud [5].

Material examined: Bourail County, Gouaro District, on Jasminum white flowers, 01.IV.1999, in ANIC.

Thrips palmi Karny, 1925^I

“Melon thrips”

Thrips palmi Karny, 1925: 10.

Biology: Breeding in flowers and on leaves of many plants, particularly crops of Cucurbitaceae and Solanaceae, but also on cultivated orchids; a tospovirus vector and major pest on several food crops [53].

Distribution: Originally from tropical Asia but now widespread in tropical countries, including northern Australia, some Caribbean islands and southern Florida [53]; recorded in New Caledonia from Païta County [40] where presumably introduced in 1980 [5]; listed from Mont-Dore, Dumbéa, Boulouparis and La Foa counties in Province Sud, also from Koné and Hienghène counties in Province Nord.

Material examined: Bourail County, Gouaro District, on Cucumis sativus, 01.III.1997; Dumbéa County, on Citrullus lanatus, 27.XI.1998; on Cucumis sativus, 20.V.2008, and 10.IX.2019; Mont Dore County, Saint-Louis Research Station (IAC), on flowers of Atractocarpus, 13.IV.2007; Pouembout County, on Cucumis melo leaves, 21.VI.2007; Nouméa County, on young leaves of Cucumis melo, 26.XII.2007; Païta County, on Capsicum annuum, 30.III.2007 and 04.IX.2010; La Foa County, on Solanum tuberosum leaves, 31.VIII.2015; in ANIC, CXMNC and CIRAD.

Thrips safrus Mound & Masumoto, 2005*^N

Thrips safrus Mound & Masumoto, 2005: 45.

Biology: Polyphagous flower living species, described from Cochlospermum fraseri in Queensland (Australia), and found on many plant species across warmer parts of Australia.

Distribution: Described from, and widespread across, Australia, also recorded from New Caledonia, from Poe Beach in Bourail County [64] and it is here newly recorded from Yandé Island (Poum County) in the Province Nord. It is also apparently established in Hawai’i [68].

Material examined: Poum County, Yandé Island, on Eugenia gacognei, 18.VIII.2005, in ANIC.

Thrips simplex (Morison, 1930)^I

“Gladiolus thrips”

Physothrips simplex Morison, 1930: 12.

Biology: Breeding mainly in Gladiolus flowers, causing streaking and discoloration [53], but also found breeding on other Iridaceae, such as Crocosmia and Neomarica.

Distribution: Originally from South Africa, but now widespread around the world wherever Gladiolus is grown [53]; recorded from New Caledonia in Nouméa County [21].

Material examined: Not observed during the present study.

Thrips sumatrensis Priesner, 1934^I

Thrips (Isoneurothrips) sumatrensis Priesner, 1934, 1934: 254.

Biology: Reported from flowers of many plants in Asian countries; from Solanum flowers in Australia.

Distribution: Widespread in Asia from Thailand to Pacific Islands, including Guam, Tahiti and northern Australia; recorded from New Caledonia in 1983, without host or place record from basis of some specimens, in Senckenberg Museum, Frankfurt [64].

Material examined: Not observed during the present study.

Thrips tabaci Lindeman, 1889^I

“Onion thrips”, “Tabacco thrips” or “Cotton thrips”

Thrips tabaci Lindeman, 1889: 61.

Biology: In flowers and on leaves of many plants, including Allium, cereals, potatoes, vines and glasshouse crops; a tospovirus vector [53]; known as a predator of mites but effectiveness for biological control is unknown; occurs mainly on weeds and crops but in low numbers on native vegetation; males reported only from Eastern Mediterranean countries and New Zealand.

Distribution: Originally from eastern Mediterranean and now found worldwide, but scarce in wet tropics; the most intercepted species in New Caledonia in 2017, from Australia and New Zealand, representing 85% of all intercepted thrips [59]; first record in New Caledonia [56] from Canala County (Nakety District) in Province Nord, on onion plants.

Material examined: Pouembout County, on leaves of Allium cepa, 21.VI.2007; Païta County, on Capsicum annuum, 04.VI.2008; La Foa County (Nili District), from a garlic clove, 17.VIII.2010; Dumbéa County, La Couvelée District, on Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum and Brassica oleracea, 10.IX.2019, in flower farm on Gerbera leaves, 30.VI.2020, in ANIC and CXMNC.

Thrips vitticornis (Karny, 1922)^I

Physothrips vitticornis Karny, 1922: 103.

Biology: Breeding in flowers of Calopogonium [64].

Distribution: Described from Thailand and widespread from India to the Pacific, present in northern Australia [53]; listed in New Caledonia from Province Nord in Houaïlou, Pouembout and Hienghène counties [5].

Material examined: Bourail County, on flowers of Canavallia maritima, 14.IV.2012, in ANIC and CXMNC.

Trichromothrips cf. fragilis Masumoto & Okajima, 2005*^I

Trichromothrips fragilis Masumoto & Okajima, 2005: 17.

Biology: Described from the leaves of several unrelated plants.

Distribution: This species was described from Japan and recorded from Taiwan region, but the genus Trichromothrips is widespread in tropical countries, and males are important for species identification. T. fragilis is tentatively identified here from Sarraméa in New Caledonia, Province Sud, based only on several females that are slightly darker than the original specimens.

Material examined: Sarraméa County, many females in pitfall traps under various unrelated tree species, 15.VI.2015, in CXMNC.

6. Conclusions

The purpose of the present article is to consider the fragile nature of the endemic Thysanoptera fauna of New Caledonia in the face of multiple introduced exotic species. This is based on a revised checklist of recorded thrips species, of which 80 percent are exotic, although new and undescribed species are known to exist. Thrips represent significant challenges for the biodiversity and agriculture of the New Caledonia Archipelago. Over more than a decade, interceptions by border surveillance have shown a constant increase in this pressure of intrusive foreign species.

Regarding the management of the exotic fauna in crops, the development of IPM and ACP managing methods must be strengthened through farming extension services. For instance, flower strips can be arranged along the plots to maintain beneficial insects, or the “push & pull” strategy can be used to install repellent and attractive plants to protect those that are cultivated. Also, resistance to some insecticides and a strong societal demand for healthy fresh products push agronomists and farmers to practice biological control. Then, the use of entomopathogenic fungi or nematodes, predators and parasitoids must be developed in the New Caledonian and insular context.

Moreover, cooperation between farmers, extension authorities and researchers, is essential to improve the knowledge of this important fauna which shows some various ecological functions going from pests, detritivores, and pollinators to beneficials. Lastly, on the Biosecurity point of view, some sound measures, such as the building of a Quarantine Facility, must be built to keep and preserve the fragile balance of New Caledonia’s fauna and flora.

Acknowledgements

The authors thank all the persons who provided us with some thrips specimens which went with all the important collection details. We also thank our respective institutions for having provided funds and time to work on this article. Many thanks to our colleague Dr Arturo Goldarazena (MNCN, Spain) for the identification of a parasitoid mite and Dr Bruno Michel (CIRAD, France) for the identification of some thrips specimens. We thank our former IRD colleague Frédéric Rigault, for the map of New Caledonia he provided in an earlier work. We acknowledge the following institutions and their respective people: the three provinces of New Caledonia i.e., Loyalty Islands, North and South, CAP-NC/GDS-V, and the growers’ associations Arbofruits and Repair. Finally, we would like to thank the New Caledonian Government through its Biosecurity services, the DAVAR-SIVAP, and especially their officers who, at the borders, do exhausting, unvalued and thankless work, which makes it possible to slow down or even stop the introduction of new potential invasive species that are dangerous for the New Caledonia environment and agriculture.

NOTES

¹Thrips Wiki—Providing information on the World’s thrips. http://thrips.info/wiki/Main_Page, however, this URL is currently unavailable due to the use of ransom ware by cyber criminals in October 2023. This site is currently unavailable in late 2024, although it is expected to be recovered, information can be found at the following site: https://web.archive.org/web/20230926184940/https://thrips.info/wiki/Main_Page. Also, a copy of all Thysanoptera valid names is available on Catalogue of Life at: https://www.catalogueoflife.org/data/taxon/9GKWK, but it does not include any names that are now synonyms, nor any references.

²Same as footnote 1.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this paper.

References

[1]	Mound, L.A. (1983) Natural and Disrupted Patterns of Geographical Distribution in Thysanoptera (Insecta). Journal of Biogeography, 10, 119-133. https://doi.org/10.2307/2844623
[2]	Mound, L.A., Wang, Z., Lima, É.F.B. and Marullo, R. (2022) Problems with the Concept of “Pest” among the Diversity of Pestiferous Thrips. Insects, 13, Article No. 61. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13010061
[3]	Morse, J.G. and Hoddle, M.S. (2006) Invasion Biology of Thrips. Annual Review of Entomology, 51, 67-89. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.ento.51.110104.151044
[4]	Wang, Z., Mound, L.A., Hussain, M., Arthurs, S.P. and Mao, R. (2022) Thysanoptera as Predators: Their Diversity and Significance as Biological Control Agents. Pest Management Science, 78, 5057-5070. https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.7176
[5]	Bournier, J. and Mound, L.A. (2000) Inventaire commenté des Thysanoptères de Nouvelle-Calédonie. Bulletin de la Société entomologique de France, 105, 231-240. https://doi.org/10.3406/bsef.2000.16666
[6]	Delorme, Q. (2018) Taxinomie et éléments d’écologie des cigales de Nouvelle-Calédonie. Contribution à la connaissance d’espèces endémiques. Master Thesis, Mémoire de l’École Pratique des Hautes Études, Sciences de la Vie et de la Terre, Ministère de l’Enseignement Supérieur et de la Recherche.
[7]	Desutter-Grandcolas, L. (1997) Le peuplement des grillons (Orthoptères, Grylloi-dea) des sous-bois forestiers du Col d’Amieu (Nouvelle-Calédonie). I Étude du peuplement. In: Najt, J. and Matile, L., Eds., Zoologia Neocaledonica, Volume 4, Mé-moires du Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, 171, 125-135.
[8]	Mille, C. and Jolivet, P. (2021) Illustrated Catalogue of Chrysomelidae of New Cale-donia (Coleoptera)—Catalogue illustré des Chrysomelidae de Nouvelle-Calédonie (Coleoptera). Coédition IAC/SENC.
[9]	Mille, C., Jourdan, H., Cazères, S., Maw, E. and Foottit, R. (2020) New Data on the Aphid (Hemiptera, Aphididae) Fauna of New Caledonia: Some New Biosecurity Threats in a Biodiversity Hotspot. ZooKeys, 943, 53-89. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.943.47785
[10]	Mille, C., Henderson, R.C., Cazères, S. and Jourdan, H. (2016) Checklist of the Scale Insects (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Coccomorpha) of New Caledonia. Zoosystema, 38, 129-176. https://doi.org/10.5252/z2016n2a1
[11]	Mille, C. (2008) Re-Assessment of the Fauna of Fruit Flies (Diptera, Tephritidae) and Their Host Fruits in New Caledonia. In: Grandcolas, P., Ed., Zoologia Neocaledonica, Volume 6. Biodiversity Studies in New Caledonia, Mémoires du Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, 197, 251-259.
[12]	Mound, L.A. and Tree, D.J. (2020) Thysanoptera Australiensis—Thrips of Australia. Identic Pty Ltd. https://keys.lucidcentral.org/keys/v3/thrips_australia/index.html
[13]	Mound, L.A., Lima, É.F.B. and O’Donnell, C.A. (2023) What Is a Genus—Interpreting Structural Diversity among Species of Urothripine Phlaeothripinae (Thysanoptera). Zootaxa, 5319, 91-102. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5319.1.6
[14]	Mound, L.A. and Okajima, S. (2015) Taxonomic Studies on Dolichothrips (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripinae), Pollinators of Macaranga Trees in Southeast Asia (Euphorbiaceae). Zootaxa, 3956, 79-96. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3956.1.4
[15]	Zerega, N.J.C., Mound, L.A. and Weiblen, G.D. (2004) Pollination in the New Guinea Endemic Antiaropsis decipiens (Moraceae) Is Mediated by a New Species of Thrips, Thrips antiaropsidis sp. nov. (Thysanoptera: Thripidae). International Journal of Plant Sciences, 165, 1017-1026. https://doi.org/10.1086/423869
[16]	Mound, L.A. and Terry, I. (2001) Thrips Pollination of the Central Australian Cycad, Macrozamia macdonnellii (Cycadales). International Journal of Plant Sciences, 162, 147-154. https://doi.org/10.1086/317899
[17]	Williams, G.A., Adam, P. and Mound, L.A. (2001) Thrips (Thysanoptera) Pollination in Australian Subtropical Rainforests, with Particular Reference to Pollination of Wilkiea huegeliana (Monimiaceae). Journal of Natural History, 35, 1-21. https://doi.org/10.1080/002229301447853
[18]	Jacqua, G. and Étienne, J. (1987) Possibilité de suppression du Thrips palmi sur des fruits d’aubergine par trempage dans de l’eau chaude. Bulletin agronomique des Antilles et de la Guyane, 6, 2-3.
[19]	Mound, L.A., Hoddle, M.S. and Hastings, A. (2019) Thysanoptera Californica. An Identification and Information System to Thrips in California. Identic Pty Ltd. https://keys.lucidcentral.org/keys/v3/thrips_of_california_2019/
[20]	Garms, B.W., Mound, L.A. and Schellhorn, N.A. (2013) Polyphagy in the Australian Population of South African Citrus Thrips (Scirtothrips aurantii Faure). Australian Journal of Entomology, 52, 282-289. https://doi.org/10.1111/aen.12028
[21]	Cohic, F. (1953) Un dangereux parasite du glaïeul introduit récemment en Nouvelle-Calédonie (Taeniothrips Simplex Morison). Revue Agricole de la Nouvelle-Calédonie, 11-12, 18-21.
[22]	Cohic, F. (1958) Les Parasites Animaux de la Tomate Nouvelle-Calédonie. Office de la Recherche Scientifique et Technique Outre-Mer, Institut Français d’Océanie.
[23]	Cohic, F. (1958) Contribution à l’étude des Cochenilles d’Intérêt Economique de Nouvelle-Calédonie et Dépendances. South Pacific Commission, Technical Paper 116.
[24]	Mille, C., Munzinger, J. and Jourdan, H. (2012) First Record of the Australian Guava Moth Coscinoptycha improbana Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Carposinidae) in New Caledonia: Implication for Quarantine and Biosecurity Surveys in Insular Territories. Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology, 15, 283-285. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aspen.2012.02.005
[25]	Li, Y., Elie, N., Liu, H. and Zhang, H. (2022) Aduncothrips Newly Recorded from China, with Three New Species and a New Generic Synonym (Thysanoptera: Aeolothripidae). Zootaxa, 5141, 49-59. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5141.1.4
[26]	Bianchi, F.A. (1945) Introduction to the Thysanoptera of New Caledonia. Proceedings of the Hawaiian entomological Society, 12, 249-278.
[27]	Bournier, J. (1997) Thysanoptères des Forêts Primaires de Nouvelle-Calédonie. I. Annales de la Société Entomologique de France (N.S.), 33, 139-153. https://doi.org/10.1080/21686351.1997.12277744
[28]	Mound, L.A. and Reynaud, P. (2005) Franklinothrips; A Pantropical Thysanoptera Genus of Ant-Mimicking Obligate Predators (Aeolothripidae). Zootaxa, 864, 1-16. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.864.1.1
[29]	Loomans, A.J.M. and Heijboer, A. (1999) Franklinothrips vespiformis (Crawford), a Polyphagous Predator Preying on Thrips Eggs. Proceedings of Experimental & Ap-plied Entomology, N.E.V. (Nederlandse Entomologische Vereniging), Amsterdam, Vol. 10, 143-150.
[30]	Mille, C., Cazères, S., Grandison, G., Toussirot, M. and Jourdan, H. (2023) Guide de reconnaissance des ravageurs et des auxiliaires de cultures de Wallis-et-Futuna. Éditions IAC/DSA. https://horizon.documentation.ird.fr/exl-doc/pleins_textes/2023-12/010084486.pdf
[31]	Mound, L.A., Tree, D.J. and Wells, A. (2022) Convoluted Maxillary Stylets among Australian Thysanoptera Phlaeothripinae Associated Mainly with Casuarinaceae Trees. Zootaxa, 5190, 301-332. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5190.3.1
[32]	IAC [Institut Agronomique néo-Calédonien] (2009) Rapport d’activité 2008. Édi-tions IAC.
[33]	IAC [Institut Agronomique néo-Calédonien] (2016) Rapport d’activité 2015. Édi-tions IAC.
[34]	Bournier, A. (1967) Un intéressant parasite de Thysanoptères: Tetrastichus gentilei (Hym. Chalcididae). Annales de la Société Entomologique de France (N.S.), 3, 173-179.
[35]	IAC [Institut Agronomique néo-Calédonien] (2013) Rapport d’activité 2012. Édi-tions IAC.
[36]	Mound, L.A. and Tree, D.J. (2021) Taxonomic Problems with Gynaikothrips and Related Genera (Thysanoptera, Phlaeothripinae): The Ficorum/uzeli Complex and Taxa Endemic to Australia. Zootaxa, 5023, 537-554. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5023.4.4
[37]	Mound, L.A. and Minaei, K. (2007) Australian Thrips of the Haplothrips Lineage (Insecta: Thysanoptera). Journal of Natural History, 41, 2919-2978. https://doi.org/10.1080/00222930701783219
[38]	Bianchi, F.A. (1952) Additions to the Thysanoptera of New Caledonia. Proceedings of the Hawaiian Entomological Society, 14, 385-390.
[39]	Mound, L.A. (2019) Identification of Haplothrips Species from Malesia (Thysanoptera, Phlaeothripinae). Zootaxa, 4623, 41-50. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4623.1.3
[40]	Brun, L.-O. and Chazeau, J. (1986) Catalogue des ravageurs d’intérêt agricole de Nouvelle-Calédonie. ORSTOM, Institut Français de Recherche Scientifique pour le Développement en Coopération, Centre de Nouméa, Laboratoire de Zoologie Appliquée.
[41]	Mound, L.A. and Tree, D.J. (2014) Fungus-Feeding Phlaeothripine Thysanoptera in the Genus Holothrips from Australia and New Caledonia, with a Structurally Similar New Genus, Holoengythrips. Zootaxa, 3860, 125-148. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3860.2.2
[42]	IAC [Institut Agronomique néo-Calédonien] (2011) Rapport d’activité 2010. Édi-tions IAC.
[43]	Bournier, A. (1993) Thysanoptères Gallicoles de Nouvelle-Calédonie. Bulletin de la Société Entomologique de France, 98, 357-366. https://doi.org/10.3406/bsef.1993.17908
[44]	Crespi, B.J., Morris, D.C. and Mound, L.A. (2004) Evolution of Ecological and Behavioural Diversity, Australian Acacia Thrips as Model Organisms. Australian Biological Resources Study, Canberra & Australian National Insect Collection.
[45]	Mound, L.A. and Tree, D.J. (2021) Litotetothrips Priesner (Thysanoptera, Phlaeothripinae); An Asian Genus Newly Recorded from Australia with Two New Species and One New Combination. Zootaxa, 5027, 445-450. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5027.3.10
[46]	Mound, L.A. and Wells, A. (2015) Endemics and Adventives: Thysanoptera (Insecta) Biodiversity of Norfolk, a Tiny Pacific Island. Zootaxa, 3964, 183-210. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3964.2.2
[47]	Goldarazena, A. and Michel, B. (2022) New Records of Phlaeothripinae from New Caledonia, with the Description of a New Species of Adraneothrips Hood (Thysanoptera, Phlaeothripidae). Zootaxa, 5094, 169-176. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5094.1.7
[48]	Mound, L.A. and Goldarazena, A. (2022) Antennal Sense Cone Variation in Teuchothrips Species of New Caledonia, with One New Generic Combination (Thysanoptera, Phlaeothripinae). Zootaxa, 5124, 238-244. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5124.2.9
[49]	Wipfler, R. (2006) Untersuchungen zur Bedeutung und Lebensweise phytophager Thripse (Insecta, Thysanoptera) als Verursacher von Austriebsstörungen an Reben als Grundlage zur Entwicklung umweltschonender Bekämpfungskonzepte. Dissertation zur Erlangung des Doktorgrades der Naturwissenschaften (Dr. rer. nat.) Fakultät Naturwissenschaften der Universität Hohenheim.
[50]	Veillon, J., Amice, R., Butin, J., Cazé, H., Garnier, D., Lannuzel, G., Leborgne, T. and McCoy, S. (2015) Hibbertia tontoutensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2015, e.T72734513A83497215. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2015-4.RLTS.T72734513A83497215.en
[51]	Mound, L.A. and Dang, L.H. (2013) New Australian Records of Asian or New Zealand Phlaeothripidae (Thysanoptera). Australian Entomologist, 40, 113-117.
[52]	Mound, L.A. (1999) Saltatorial Leaf-Feeding Thysanoptera (Thripidae: Dendrothripinae) from Australia and New Caledonia, with Newly Recorded Pests of Ferns, Figs and Mulberries. Australian Journal of Entomology, 38, 257-273. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1440-6055.1999.00112.x
[53]	Mound, L.A., Tree, D.J. and Paris, D. (2012) OzThrips—Thysanoptera in Australia. http://www.ozthrips.org/
[54]	Goldarazena, A., Michel, B. and Jacq, F. (2021) Copidothrips octarticulatus Recorded from Tahiti, with First Description of the Male and Larvae (Thysanoptera, Thripidae, Panchaetothripinae). Zootaxa, 4949, 591-594. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4949.3.10
[55]	Mille, C. (2011) Animaux nuisibles et utiles des jardins et vergers de Nouvelle-Calédonie. Éditions SENC, Société Entomologique de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
[56]	Lima, É.F.B. and Mound, L.A. (2016) Species-Richness in Neotropical Sericothripinae (Thysanoptera: Thripidae). Zootaxa, 4162, 1-45. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4162.1.1
[57]	Hara, A.H., Mau, R.F.L., Jacobsen, C.M., Niino-DuPonte, R.Y. and Heu, R. (2002) Banana Rust Thrips, Chaetanaphothrips signipennis. Crop Knowledge Master. Hawaii Department of Agriculture. CTAHR PIO Publication, Insect Pest IP-10, 1-7. http://www.extento.hawaii.edu/kbase/crop/type/BR_thrips.htm
[58]	Minaei, K. and Mound, L. (2010) Grass-Flower Thrips of the Genus Chirothrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), with a Key to Species from Iran. Zootaxa, 2411, 33-43. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.2411.1.3
[59]	Cazères, S. and Mille, C. (2018) Rapport technique et financier 2017 lié à la Convention relative au dispositif d’identification d’espèces exogènes en Nouvelle-Calédonie pour l’année 2017 entre le SIVAP, le GDS-V et l’IAC. Institut Agronomique néo-Calédonien, Laboratoire d’Entomologie Appliquée, Collection Xavier Montrouzier de Nouvelle-Calédonie (CXMNC).
[60]	BSV [Bulletin de santé du végétal de Nouvelle-Calédonie] (2015) Chambre d’Agriculture de Nouvelle-Calédonie, édition N˚9, février 2015.
[61]	O’Donnell, C.A. and Mound, L.A. (2016) The Confused Identity of Frankliniella williamsi (Thysanoptera: Thripidae). Florida Entomologist, 99, 683-685. https://doi.org/10.1653/024.099.0416
[62]	IAC [Institut Agronomique néo-Calédonien] (2015) Rapport d’activité 2014. Édi-tions IAC.
[63]	Mound, L.A. and Ng, Y.F. (2021) Studies on the Genus Lefroyothrips, with New Records from Malaysia, New Caledonia and a New Species from Australia (Thysanoptera, Thripidae). Zootaxa, 4927, 567-575. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4927.4.7
[64]	Mound, L.A. and Masumoto, M. (2005) The Genus Thrips (Thysanoptera, Thripidae) in Australia, New Caledonia and New Zealand. Zootaxa, 1020, 1-64. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.1020.1.1
[65]	IAC [Institut Agronomique néo-Calédonien] (2003) Rapport d’activité 2002. Édi-tions IAC.
[66]	Jourdan, H. and Mille, C. (2006) Les invertébrés introduits dans l’archipel néo-calédonien: Espèces envahissantes et potentiellement envahissantes. Première évaluation et recommandations pour leur gestion. In: Beauvais, M.-L., Coléno, A. and Jourdan, H., Eds., Les espèces envahissantes dans l’archipel néo-calédonien: Un risque environnemental et économique majeur, IRD Éditions, 163-214. https://doi.org/10.4000/books.irdeditions.7672
[67]	Cazères, S. and Mille, C. (2020) Rapport technique et financier 2019 lié à la Conven-tion relative au dispositif d’identification d’espèces exogènes en Nouvelle-Calédonie pour l’année 2019 entre le SIVAP, le GDS-V et l’IAC. Institut Agronomique néo-Calédonien, Laboratoire d’Entomologie Appliquée, Collection Xavier Montrouzier de Nouvelle-Calédonie (CXMNC).
[68]	Mound, L.A., Matsunaga, J., Bushe, B., Hoddle, M.S. and Wells, A. (2017) Adventive Thysanoptera Species on the Hawaiian Islands, New Records and Putative Host Associations. Proceedings of the Hawaiian Entomological Society, 49, 17-28.