A Review of Franklinothrips vespiformis (Thysanoptera: Aeolothripidae): Life History, Distribution, and Prospects as a Biological Control Agent

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Predatory species are a small but significant part of the Thysanoptera, which is often overlooked. Franklinothrips are found throughout the tropics and are regarded as major natural enemies of thrips and other small arthropod prey. In this review, we summarized the geographical background, morphology, and prey associations, with an emphasis on Franklinothrips vespiformis, the most widely distributed predatory thrips species. This literature review could serve as a foundation for future research into Franklinothrips as biocontrol agents for economically important insect and mite pests in China. ABSTRACT: Predatory species comprise a small but important and often overlooked component of the Thysanoptera. A case in point, the ant-mimicking Franklinothrips are widely distributed in the tropics and are considered important generalist natural enemies for thrips and some other small arthropod prey. Franklinothrips present an addition to biocontrol applications, i.e., greenhouse or commercial application for certain target pests and situations. Current knowledge, including distribution, biological features, life history pa rameters, prey specificity, host plant associations and lass production is yet insufficient to decide to what extent Franklinothrips could contribute for biological control programs. In this review, we summarized the geographical background, morphology, and prey associations, with a focus on F. vespiformis, the most widely distributed species of predatory thrips. This literature review serves as the basis for future research into the use of Franklinothrips as biocontrol agents for economically significant insect and mite pests in China and elsewhere.