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

ABSTRACT

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.