Biology of Rice Thrips Stenchaetothrips biformis (Bagnall) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) and a Greenhouse Rearing Technique

To obtain basic information needed to develop an efficient rearing procedure for the rice thrips, Stenchaetothrips biformis (Bagnall), its life history was studied. The effects of plant age, adult density, and temperature on fecundity and population growth were determined. Adult females had a longevity of 13 days; during that time they laid 27 eggs, primarily in the youngest leaf of the rice plant. An average of 17 days was required to complete the life cycle from egg to preovipositing adult. Fecundity and population growth were influenced by plant age and adult density. A rearing procedure providing between 400 and 500 thrips daily was developed.