Phenology of the New Zealand flower thrips, Thrips obscuratus (Crawford) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), on nectarine and peach flowers

The number and species of thrips (Thysanoptera) infesting flowers and young fruit of unsprayed nectarine and peach trees in Canterbury, New Zealand were determined. Adult thrips (mostly females) were found in similar numbers from pink to shuck fall. Few thrips larvae were found in flowers from pink to full bloom. Larval numbers increased steadily after full bloom, peaked close to petal fall and then gradually declined. Few larvae were found on young fruit at shuck fall. Adults and larvae were almost all Thrips obscuratus (Crawford) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)