New synonymy among gall thrips of the Asian genus Mesothrips, with revision of species from China (Thysanoptera, Haplothripini).

Historical, nomenclatural, technical, and biological problems associated with the 42 species of Mesothrips are discussed. Type specimens have been re-examined of 14 of the 25 species that were described prior to 1930 and remain known only from imperfectly slide-mounted specimens. As a result, seven new synonyms are recognised. From China, six species of Mesothrips have been listed, but the records of M.alluaudi and M.manii are rejected, and three new species are described: M.jianfengisp. nov., M.longistylussp. nov., and M.verniciasp. nov. These three species are divergent from other members of Mesothrips in lacking a prominent fore tarsal tooth and may indicate a possible generic relationship to the flower-living species in the Asian genus Dolichothrips. An illustrated key is provided to the seven Mesothrips species now known from China.

Leaf-feeding species of the genus Liothrips from China (Thysanoptera, Phlaeothripinae).

The 250 species of the second largest genus of Thysanoptera, Liothrips, are known as feeding mainly on green leaves, with many inducing galls or associated with galls. In China, 33 species are recognized including L. brevis sp. n., L. elongatus sp. n., L. longistylus sp. n., L. motuoensis sp. n., L. piceae sp. n., L. populi sp. n. and L. tibetanus sp. n., also seven species are recorded from this country for the first time. Four Hans Liothrips species are considered as new synonymies of L. vaneeckei that might be widespread in the Holarctic region. Three species are newly combined as Liothrips aporosae comb.n., Teuchothrips fuscus comb.n. and T. turkestanicus comb.n. The illustrated identification key to Chinese Liothrips species excludes L. hsuae but includes L. mirabilis due to its potential as a pest of Piper plants are growing throughout Southern China. Biology, structural variation, and generic relationships are also discussed.

Taxonomic review of the Oriental genus Phylladothrips Priesner (Thysanoptera, Phlaeothripidae).

Species of the Oriental subtropical and tropical genus Phylladothrips of fungus-feeding thrips exhibit some diagnostic character states, usually with abdominal tergite VIII bearing two pairs of wing-retaining setae and male tergite IX setae S2 about as long as S1. These species are quite small, and the maxillary stylets unusually broad for Phlaeothripinae. Phylladothripstrisetaesp. nov. from Xizang, China and P.selangorsp. nov. from Selangor, Malaysia are described, and P.fasciae is newly recorded from China. All 11 species in this genus are revised with an illustrated key.

What is a genus-interpreting structural diversity among species of urothripine Phlaeothripinae (Thysanoptera).

Variation within and between species is discussed in several obvious character states, including the number of visible antennal segments, prolongation of the anterior margin of the head, metaepimeral setae, and anal setae. As a result, Bebelothrips and Conocephalothrips are considered new synonyms of Amphibolothrips, and Baenothrips a new synonym of Stephanothrips. The revised generic classification suggests that urothripines are largely absent from the Neotropics, with four recorded species all likely to be introductions from the Old World.

The genus Liothrips (Thysanoptera, Phlaeothripidae) in Australia.

Eight species of Liothrips are recognised from Australia, including L. burwelli sp.n., L. chionanthes sp.n. and L. timonii sp.n., also three species shared with southeast Asia. Evidence is presented that L. vaneeckei, the Lily Bulb Thrips, is widespread in eastern Australia presumably on native plants, and that it has been on this continent for many years. The illustrated identification key includes a ninth species, L. urichi, as a potential introduction to Australia for biocontrol purposes. L. brevifemur Girault is considered a nomen dubium known only from fragments of the unique holotype. Two species are newly transferred from Liothrips as Teuchothrips soror (Hood) comb. nov. and Kellyia tenuis (Hood) comb. nov. Generic relationships are discussed, particularly with one new species that is intermediate in structure between Liothrips and Gynaikothrips.

Endemism among Lord Howe Island Thysanoptera, with new species of Baenothrips (Phlaeothripidae) and Scirtothrips (Thripidae).

The Thysanoptera diversity of Lord Howe Island comprises 39 known species, of which 13 are considered likely to be endemic to this tiny remnant of an ancient submarine volcano. Three new species are described in Baenothrips, a small but widespread genus of wingless, fungus-feeding species in the Old World tropics. Two new species of Scirtothrips are described that are members of a species-group breeding on the youngest fronds of tree ferns.

Recognition of Haplothrips jordani (Bagnall); one of the oldest names in the insect Order Thysanoptera.

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Structural diversity among the leaf-feeding thrips of Australia in the genus Teuchothrips (Thysanoptera, Phlaeothripinae) with 20 new species.

An identification system, together with illustrated notes, is presented to 34 species of the genus Teuchothrips known from Australia, including the following 20 species newly described: T. agonis sp.n., T. aliceae sp.n., T. badu sp.n., T. bundjalong sp.n., T. dodonaea sp.n., T. gangurru sp.n., T. garrunggam sp.n., T. jarowair sp.n., T. jukun sp.n., T. kaurna sp.n., T. kokatha sp.n., T. larrakia sp.n., T. leptospermum sp.n., T. lutruwita sp.n., T. mareeba sp.n., T. miriwoong sp.n., T. monga sp.n., T. mooni sp.n., T. tolga sp.n., T. toowoomba sp.n. Two species from Philippines are removed from Teuchothrips as Liothrips capitulatus (Reyes) comb.n. and L. pedanus (Reyes) comb.n. The genus Teuchothrips is very species rich in Australia, particularly in the northern tropical zone, presumably in association with the richer flora of perennial shrubs in the warmer and more humid north.

Ant-mimicking thrips of the genus Compsothrips Reuter from China(Phlaeothripidae, Idolothripinae).

Species of Compsothrips are ant-mimics in body form and structure. In contrast to the predatory species of ant-mimicking Aeolothripidae, these species feed by ingesting fungal spores. Worldwide, there are 27 species listed in this genus, with three recorded here from China. Compsothrips tenebronus is here considered a new synonym of C. sinensis, and C. timur is newly recorded from China in Tibet. Furthermore, C. reticulates is redescribed, with details of the female given for the first time. An illustrated key is provided to the three species of Compsothrips from China.

Systematics and species recognition in Oneilliella Wilson (Thripidae: Panchaetothripinae).

Oneilliella is a poorly sampled Panchaetothripinae genus with two described species based on very few specimens. Here we provide further information about the genus and describe three species: O. chicoi sp. n. and O. wanessae sp. n. from Brazil, and O. tica sp. n. from Costa Rica. We discuss the relationships between Oneilliella and other members of Panchaetothripinae based on morphology. The Indian species Oneilliella shivii Singha et al. requires further study as it is probably not congeneric with the Neotropical lineage recognized here. An illustrated key to the five Oneilliella species is provided.

The Oriental fungus-feeding genus Azaleothrips Ananthakrishnan, 1964 from China with one new species and four new records (Thysanoptera, Phlaeothripidae, Phlaeothripinae).

Azaleothrips, a genus of fungus-feeding Phlaeothripinae , is easily recognized by the complex sculpture on the body surface. It is species-rich in the Oriental region, with 10 species here recognized from China, including A.sphaericussp. nov. and four new records. An illustrated key to the species from China is provided.

Thysanoptera as predators: their diversity and significance as biological control agents.

Some species of thrips have evolved predatory behaviours, with their reported prey range including thrips, mites, scale-insects, whitefly, psyllid nymphs, and eggs of moths and beetles. However, our current understanding of the biology and potential of these thrips as biological control agents is insufficient, limiting our understanding of their role in pest management. This paper assesses published information on the diversity of predatory thrips and the available biological data on their diet breadth. About 100 species within three different families - Aeolothripidae, Phlaeothripidae and Thripidae - seem likely to be predatory, although some conclusions are speculative. Both facultative and obligate predators can be found among the species with prey records. Obligate predators feed primarily on arthropod tissues, whereas facultative predators consume plant tissues in addition to prey. Quantitative information regarding developmental biology, longevity and fecundity, was obtained for only 11 species. Obligate predators, particularly members of Scolothrips and Franklinothrips, are efficient biological control agents. To better augment the use of predatory thrips in pest management, further increased investment in mass rearing, life history and ecological studies, including interactions with other organisms and their habitat, are needed on these natural enemies. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Molecular Studies of Relationships and Identifications Among Insects of the Subfamily Panchaetothripinae (Thysanoptera, Thripidae).

The Panchaetothripinae comprises 42 genera and 146 species of leaf-feeding thrips, some of which are horticultural pests. We examined representatives of the 18 genera that include most of these pests. For species delimitation, we used DNA barcoding to produce171 sequences for 40 morphospecies. Most species were found to be monophyletic, although cryptic diversity was evident in 8 presumptive species. A multilocus molecular phylogenetic assessment was based on one mitochondrial (COI) and three nuclear loci (EF-1α, ITS2, and 28S) from 132 specimens (18 genera and 33 species), representing all genera and ~82% of species in China. Maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) confirmed monophyly of each genus with strong support. Monophyly of tribes Panchaetothripini and Monilothripini were refuted, but the well supported tribe Tryphactothripini was confirmed. Rhipiphorothrips was recovered as a sister to the remainder of the genera of Panchaetothripinae combined. Both analyses revealed two major clades. Clade A comprised the majority of the genera, including tribe Tryphactothripini. Clade B included only four genera of which two, Helionothrips and Caliothrips, are particularly species rich. The relationships of some genera remain unresolved.

Antennal sense cone variation in Teuchothrips species of New Caledonia, with one new generic combination (Thysanoptera, Phlaeothripinae).

Four species of Teuchothrips are recognised as endemic to New Caledonia and distinct from the many species of this genus in Australia. Three of these species are shown to have a variable number of sense cones on antennal segment IV, in contrast to most recorded species in the Liothrips-lineage. One endemic species is removed from Teuchothrips and considered here as Neocecidothrips pacificus (Bianchi) comb.n. together with illustrations and diagnostic notes. A key is provided for the four Teuchothrips species known from New Caledonia.

Phlaeothripidae (Thysanoptera) diversity in Australia, with three new generic records and two new species.

The genera Ponticulothrips, Trichinothrips and Tylothrips are newly recorded from Australia. Litotetothrips symplocosae sp.n. is described as the fourth species from Australia of this Asian genus, and Ponticulothrips mudloi sp.n. is described as the second known species in this genus that was previously known only from Japan. Trichinothrips and Tylothrips are each represented in Australia by single species, each of which is known from several countries.

Problems with the Concept of "Pest" among the Diversity of Pestiferous Thrips.

Almost all of the thrips species that are considered pests are members of a single subfamily of Thripidae, the Thripinae, a group that represents less than 30% of the species in the insect Order Thysanoptera. Three of the five major Families of Thysanoptera (Aeolothripidae, Heterothripidae, Melanthripidae) are not known to include any pest species. The Phlaeothripidae that includes more than 50% of the 6300 thrips species listed includes very few that are considered to be pests. Within the Thripidae, the members of the three smaller subfamilies, Panchaetothripinae, Dendrothripinae and Sericothripinae, include remarkably few species that result in serious crop losses. It is only in the subfamily Thripinae, and particularly among species of the Frankliniella genus-group and the Thrips genus-group that the major thrips species are found, including all but one of the vectors of Orthotospovirus infections. It is argued that the concept of pest is a socio-economic problem, with the pest status of any particular species being dependent on geographical area, cultivation practices, and market expectations as much as the intrinsic biology of any thrips species.

Convoluted maxillary stylets among Australian Thysanoptera Phlaeothripinae associated mainly with Casuarinaceae trees.

The diversity is reviewed of Phlaeothripinae in Australia with unusually long or convoluted maxillary stylets. This comprises a total of 28 species in eight genera, including Enigmathrips carnarvoni gen et sp.n., Adrothrips latrarei sp.n., A. lihongae sp.n., A. madiae sp.n., A mitcheli sp.n., A. vernoni sp.n., and A. westoni sp.n., also Heligmothrips exallus sp.n., H. macropus sp.n., H. narrabri sp.n. and H. xanthoskelus sp.n., and Iotatubothrips daguilari sp.n. Among Phlaeothripinae, such exceptionally long feeding stylets are known only from Australia and have evolved independently within the unrelated genera Adrothrips and Heligmothrips in association with the green branchlets of Casuarinaceae species. A few species appear to have diverged in their feeding habits and have adapted to fungal-hyphal feeding on the trunks of trees.

The Dendrothripinae (Thysanoptera, Thripidae) of Saudi Arabia, with new records, one new species, and revised status of Pseudodendrothrips stuardoi (Moulton).

Two genera Dendrothrips Uzel and Pseudodendrothrips Schmutz are recorded from Saudi Arabia. A key is provided to eight members of Dendrothrips that have antennae with 9-segments and D. saudicus sp. n. is described in this group. P. aegyptiacus (Priesner) and P. stuardoi are newly reported from Saudi Arabia, with P. stuardoi rev. stat. from the leaves of Ficus carica being newly distinguished from P. mori (Niwa) that lives on the leaves of Morus alba. Some published records of P. mori from Mediterranean countries are possibly misidentifications of P. stuardoi.

Taxonomic problems with Gynaikothrips and related genera (Thysanoptera, Phlaeothripinae): the ficorum/uzeli complex and taxa endemic to Australia.

Ten species from Australia in or related to the genus Gynaikothrips are discussed. Variation among specimens of the pest species on Ficus trees, the ficorum/uzeli complex, is examined with the conclusion that recognition of these two species remains questionable. Two species related to this complex are newly recorded from Australia, insulsus Priesner and luzonensis Priesner, and edentatus Priesner is placed as a syn.n. of ficorum. Two new Gynaikothrips are described, jasmini sp.n. and platypodae sp.n., and additamentus Karny is transferred from Gynaikothrips to Eilapinothrips gen.n. A new species of Agynaikothrips is described as the third known member of this genus, lorieni sp.n., and Liothrips umbratus Hood comb.rev. is returned to this original genus from Gynaikothrips. Two species described in Gynaikothrips from the Philippines, capitulatus Reyes and pedanus Reyes, are transferred to the genus Teuchothrips. The monobasic genus, Aiganothrips Bhatti, is considered a syn.n. of Gynaikothrips, and the monobasic genus, Jennythrips Bhatti, is considered a syn.n. of Liothrips.

Litotetothrips Priesner (Thysanoptera, Phlaeothripinae); an Asian genus newly recorded from Australia with two new species and one new combination.

Relationships are discussed among the five genera related to Liothrips in which species have antennal segment VIII long and slender. Litotetothrips is the oldest of these generic names and is used here for three species newly recorded from Australia: L. caledonensis (Bournier) comb.n., L. gallicola sp.n. and L. tareei sp.n.