Abstract: 【Aim】 Mycterothrips gongshanensis is a new outbreak thrips pest on tea (Camellia sinensis) plants in Yunnan, southwestern China. This study aims to clarify the biological and ecological characteristics of M. gongshanensis, to ascertain its development, survival and reproduction, and to simulate its population growth. 【Methods】 The age-stage two-sex life table of the experimental population of M. gongshanensis originated from Lincang, Yunnan, southwestern China was established, and the life history, survival rate, fecundity and other life table parameters of the experimental population of M. gongshanensis feeding on young tea leaves at 25℃ were observed and analyzed. Finally, its population growth for a period of 60 d was simulated. 【Results】 The developmental duration of M. gongshanensis at the egg, 1st instar nymphal, 2nd instar nymphal, prepupal and pupal stages was 3.89±0.04, 1.71±0.04, 3.14±0.03, 2.23±0.04 and 3.32±0.05 d, respectively. The average longevity of female adult was 15.50±0.32 d, while that of male adult was 14.06±0.26 d. The mean number of eggs laid per female was 36.12±0.78. The survival rate of the preadult stage was high, and the mortality sharply increased after the 25 day-old adult stage. The intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ), mean generation time (T), and net reproductive rate (R₀) of the experimental population of M. gongshanensis were 0.1379±0.0044/d, 1.1479±0.0050/d, 21.33±0.13 d, and 18.95±1.68, respectively. Starting with 10 eggs, the population of M. gongshanensis reared in the absence of external interference will multiply to 17 335 individuals in 60 d based on computer simulation. 【Conclusion】 The population of M. gongshanensis in Lincang, Yunnan has high survival rate, high fecundity, and short mean generation time, and consequently, the population can grow very fast in this area.

Key words: Mycterothrips gongshanensis, Camellia sinensis, experimental population, life history, age-stage two-sex life table, population simulation