Scirtothrips dorsalis found in Florida (US)
In October 2005, the presence of Scirtothrips dorsalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae – EPPO A1 list) was confirmed in Florida (US). The pest was first found on rose plants grown by a hobbyist from Palm Beach county. Later, S. dorsalis was also confirmed on roses and peppers (Capsicum annuum) in the Orlando area (Orange county). S. dorsalis had been sporadically detected in Florida in 1991 and 1994, but was no longer found. So far in USA, S. dorsalis was only recorded from Hawaii, where it has been known to occur since 1987.
The situation of Scirtothrips dorsalis in USA can be described as follows: Present, limited distribution (Hawaii, Florida).
Sources
NAPPO Pest Alert - Detection of the Chilli thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood) in Florida (posted on 2005-11-08).
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service. Pest Alert - Chilli thrips Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) A new pest thrips for Florida by G Hodges, GB Edwards, W Dixon (2005-10).