Gynaikothrips, banyan, FSM

November 2008. A request from the Federated States of Miconesia for the identification of insects on seedling banyan trees. The insects appeared to be thrips: 2-3 mm long, slender and dark. There are about 10 or more adults and some larvae in between each folded leaf. The damage is severe.

This is probably a species of Gynaikothrips. G ficorum likes Ficus microcarpa – there are lots of pictures on the Internet.

See the datasheet at:

http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/phpps/PPD/pest_sheets.html#thysanoptera