Smicrothrips is a genus of thrips (order Thysanoptera) in the family Phlaeothripidae, suborder Tubulifera. It is a monotypic genus, comprising only the species Smicrothrips particula Hood, 1952.
Description and Biology Smicrothrips particula is a minute insect, typically under 2 mm in length. It has a distinctive laterally flattened body, an adaptation that allows it to move quickly between plant trichomes (fine outgrowths on plants). The species is most likely predatory, feeding on small arthropods such as mites.
Distribution The sole species was described from Nova Teutonia, Santa Catarina, Brazil, and appears to be restricted to Brazil.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Thysanoptera
- Family: Phlaeothripidae
- Genus: Smicrothrips Hood, 1952
- Type species: Smicrothrips particula Hood, 1952 (by monotypy)
