Clidemia thrips

Scientific Name
Liothrips urichi
Target Pest
Clidemia hirta
Release Status
approved
First Release
1953
Efficacy
moderate

Summary

Thrips that feed on growing tips of Clidemia, suppressing flower and fruit production. One of the oldest biocontrol successes in Hawaiian ecosystems, though efficacy varies by site.

Host Specificity

High — only attacks Clidemia; extensive pre-release testing.
Record 30000000Updated 4/17/2026