Dhileepan, K.Shi, B.Callander, J.Teshome, M.Neser, S. (Stefanus), 1942-Senaratne, K.A.D.W.2018-10-032018-04Dhileepan et al. 2018, 'Gall thrips Acaciothrips ebneri (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) from Ethiopia, a promising biological control agent for prickly acacia in Australia', African Entomology, vol. 26, no. 1, pp. 237-241.1021-3589 (print)2224-8854 (online)10.4001/003.026.0237http://hdl.handle.net/2263/66685Based on climatic and plant phenotype matching, native-range surveys were conducted in Ethiopia to identify prospective biological control agents for prickly acacia, a serious weed of grazing areas in northern Australia. Surveys identified a gall thrips, Acaciothrips ebneri (Karny) (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae), as a prospective biological control agent for prickly acacia, based on damage potential, field host range and geographic range in Ethiopia. The gall thrips was imported into a high security quarantine facility at the Ecosciences Precinct, Brisbane,Australia in December 2015 and host-specificity tests are in progress. If approved, the gall thrips would be the first gall insect to be released against prickly acacia in Australia.en© Entomological Society of Southern AfricaPrickly acaciaEthiopiaSurveysAustraliaGall thripsAcaciothrips ebneri (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae)Biological control agentArticle