MYOPORUM THRIPS

A new species of thrips (Klambothrips myopori) has recently been discovered attacking naio (Myoporum sandwicense) on Hawaii Island. These insects have been injuring and killing other species of Myoporum in California and have now arrived in Hawaii. The insects cause gall-like damage in young leaves and may eventually kill the tree. They initially were found on cultivated naio papa at resort areas in the South Kohala and North Kona districts and Waikoloa Village and have spread to natural naio populations in Kau and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and has been found on landscape plantings in Hilo. These thrips only attack naio ( Myoporum spp.) To prevent this pest from spreading to neighbor islands, please do not move naio off Hawaii Island. If you find these insects attacking naio on other islands, especially wild populations, please notify Cynthia King, Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife Entomologist, (808) 587-0019, or by email at  cynthia.b.king@hawaii.gov, or call the Hawaii Pest Hotline 643-PEST.

• Hawaii Department of Agriculture New Pest Advisory on Naio Thrips
• Link: Information and photographs of Myoporum thrips from the County of Los Angeles.
• Division of Forestry and Wildlife Naio Thrips Survey