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.

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.

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.

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.

Holopothrips chaconi sp.n. (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripinae) from leaf-vein galls on Piper species (Piperaceae) in Costa Rica

AbstractMost species of the Neotropical genus Holopothrips are associated with plant galls but very little is known about their biology. Here, we provide observations on the biology of a new species of Holopothrips associated with leaf-vein galls on four species of Piper at a cloud forest site (Zurquí de Moravia) in Costa Rica. This species colonized the galls soon after the gall-inducing cecidomyiid or one of its parasitoids emerged, and several generations of thrips appeared to occupy the empty galls. A total of 175 empty galls from 34 leaves were collected, brought to the laboratory for dissection under the microscope, and the contents quantified. Holopothrips occupied approximately 75 % of the galled leaves and among the latter they occupied about 40 % of the galls. Every combination of adults, nymphs and eggs was found, which implies that adult thrips move in and out of galls, and possibly do not defend their galls from invasion by other members of their species. However, when disturbed, both nymphs and adults raise the tip of their abdomen and emit a distinctive odor, suggesting a defensive reaction against potential predators. Preliminary evidence suggests that they feed on gall tissue lining the inner cavity and spend very little time outside the galls. The thrips is described as a new species, and is one of only four known species of Holopothrips to have the unusual condition of two pairs of epimeral setae on the pronotum. This new species was compared to these other three Holothrips species, and the remarkable variation of the female spermatheca and the male sternal pore plate is illustrated. Further research is needed to confirm that several generations of thrips occupy empty galls, to determine whether adult thrips do indeed move between galls, and to explore in greater detail their possible chemical defense. Rev. Biol. Trop. 63 (4): 1035-1042. Epub 2015 December 01.

ResumenLa mayoría de las especies del género neotropical Holopothrips se asocian a las agallas de plantas pero se sabe muy poco de su biología. Aquí, se provee observaciones sobre la biología de una nueva especie de Holopothrips que se asocia a las agallas de venas foliares en cuatro especies de Piper en un bosque nuboso (Zurquí de Moravia) de Costa Rica. Esta especie coloniza las agallas luego de que el cecidómido inductor o un parasitoide del mismo emerge, y aparentemente varias generaciones de trips ocupan las agallas vacías. Un total de 175 agallas vacías en 34 hojas fueron recolectadas, llevadas al laboratorio para disección bajo el microscopio y se cuantificó su contenido. Holopothrips ocupaba aproximadamente el 75 % de las hojas con agallas y en ellas el 40 % de las agallas. Se encontró toda combinación de adultos, ninfas y huevos, lo cual implica que los trips adultos entran y salen y posiblemente no defienden sus agallas de la invasión de otros miembros de su especie. Sin embargo, adultos y ninfas, levantan la punta del abdomen al ser perturbados, emitiendo un olor distintivo que sugiere una reacción defensiva ante posibles depredadores. La evidencia preliminar indica que se alimentan del tejido interior de la agalla y pasan muy poco tiempo fuera de la misma. Se describe la especie nueva y es una de sólo cuatro especies conocidas de Holopothrips que poseen dos pares de setas epimorales en el pronoto. Al compararla con estas otras especies surge una marcada variación en la espermateca de la hembra y en las placas del poro esternal en el macho, los cuales se ilustran. Se requiere más investigación para confirmar la sugerencia que varias generaciones de trips ocupan las agallas vacias, para determinar si es cierto que los trips adultos se mueven entre agallas, y para explorar en más detalle la supuesta defensa química.

Liothrips tractabilis sp.n. (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripinae) from Argentina, a potential biocontrol agent of Weedy Campuloclinium macrocephalum (Asteraceae) in South Africa

A new species, Liothrips tractabilis, is described from northern Argentina. Feeding by this thrips causes severe damage to the leaves of Campuloclinium macrocephalum, a plant that has been introduced to South Africa where it is a serious weed of grasslands. A key is provided to the four species of the genus Liothrips recorded from Argentina.

Uma nova espécie, Liothrips tractabilis, é descrita do norte da Argentina. Essa espécie causa severo dano nas folhas de Campuloclinium macrocephalum, que foi introduzida à África do Sul, onde é planta daninha em pastagens. Uma chave é apresentada para as quatro espécies do gênero Liothrips registradas na Argentina.

Nomenclatural problems among Thysanoptera (Insecta) of Costa Rica

We present data to argue that several recent papers on the Thysanoptera of Costa Rica are affected by unsatisfactory technical procedures, including failure to recognize intraspecific structural variation. Fourteen new synonyms are recognized for Costa Rica Thysanoptera, nine generic and five specific. Rev. Biol. Trop. 56 (2): 961-968. Epub 2008 June 30.

Presentamos datos para apoyar nuestro argumento de que varios artículos recientes sobre los Thysanoptera de Costa Rica se han visto afectados por procedimientos técnicos insatisfactorios, incluyendo el no reconocer la variación estructural intraespecífica. Presentamos nueve sinonimias en los tisanópteros de Costa Rica: nueve a nivel de género y cinco a nivel de especie.

South American Haplothrips Species (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae), with a new species of biological control interest to Australia against weedy Heliotropium amplexicaule (Boraginaceae) / Espécies Sul-Americanas de Haplothrips (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae), com uma nova espécie de interesse para o controle biológico da invasora Heliotropium amplexicaule (Boraginaceae), na Austrália

Uma espécie nova, Haplothrips heliotropica, é descrita da Argentina, causando severos danos às folhas de Heliotropium amplexicaule (Boraginaceae), uma planta sul americana que é invasora agressiva em pastagens da Austrália. São apresentadas observações sobre especificidade de hospedeiros, variações sazonais de população e diapausa do tripes. O genero Haplothrips inclui mais de 230 espéciesem todo o mundo, a maioria alimentando-se de flores. Em contraste, adultos e larvas de H. heliotropica alimentam-se exclusivamente de tecidos verdes. Esta é a terceira espécie de Haplothrips registrada na América doSul. São apresentadas as características para distinguir essas três espécies, e também para Haplothrips heliotropii Priesner do Egypt e do Yemen.

A new species, Haplothrips heliotropica, is described from Argentina causing severe damage to the leaves of Heliotropium amplexicaule (Boraginaceae), a South American plant that is now a serious weed of pastures in Australia. Observations are presented on the host specificity, seasonal population changes and overwintering of this thrips. The genus Haplothrips includes more than 230 species worldwide, mostly feeding in flowers. In contrast, adults and larvae of H. heliotropica feed exclusively on green tissues. This is only the third South American species of Haplothrips. Character states are given for distinguishing these three species, and also for Haplothrips heliotropii Priesnerfrom Egypt and Yemen.

Espécies de Thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) no Brasil / Species of Thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in Brazil

Quatro espécies de Thrips: T. australis, T. palmi, T. simplex e T. tabaci. estão presentes no Brasil. Três delas são pragas de culturas e T. australis está normalmente associada a flores de Eucalyptus spp. Além de polífagas, T. palmi e T. tabaci também são vetoras de viroses. Uma chave para diferenciar essas espécies é apresentada, assim como a sua caracterização morfológica.

Four Thrips species: T. australis, T. palmi, T. simplex e T. tabaci are recorded in Brazil. Three of them are crop pests and T. australis is commonly associated to Eucalyptus spp. flowers. Besides being polyphagous, T. palmi and T. tabaci are also virus-vector. A key to distinguish these species is provided, as well as their characterization.

Espécies de Frankliniella (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) de importância agrícola no Brasil / Species of Frankliniella (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) as pests in Brazil

Seis espécies de Frankliniella: F. brevicaulis Hood, F. condei John, F. occidentalis (Pergande), F. schultzei (Trybom), F. williamsi Hood e F. zucchini Nakahara & Monteiro são consideradas pragas no Brasil, sendo três delas vetoras de viroses. Uma chave para diferenciar essas espécies é apresentada, assim como sua caracterização morfológica.

Six Frankliniella species: F. brevicaulis Hood, F. condei John, F. occidentalis (Pergande), F. schultzei (Trybom), F. williamsi Hood and F. zucchini Nakahara & Monteiro are pests in Brazil, three of them are virus-vector. A key to distinguish these species is provided, as well as their morphological characterization.

Thrips species (Thysanoptera) collected at Parque Estadual de Itapuã, Viamão, RS, Brazil / Espécies de tripes (Thysanoptera) coletadas no Parque Estadual de Itapuã, Viamão, RS

The order Thysanoptera comprises mostly phytophagous or fungivorous species, with a few species that are predators. Recent studies have emphasized the diversity of behavioural patterns amongst these diminutive insects. From the 5,500 species known worldwide, about 10 percent are recorded from Brazil, mostly tropical areas. In this work we surveyed the Thysanoptera fauna of a southern locality, 800 km south of the Tropic of Capricorn. The study site was ''Parque Estadual de Itapuã'' (30°22'S 51°02'W), Viamão, RS, and thrips were sampled from wild flowers, branches, grass and litter, from June 1999 to May 2001. A total of 83 species in 32 genera was found, but only 29 of these species could be identified, emphasizing the poor knowledge of the insect fauna of southern Brazil.

A ordem Thysanoptera reúne espécies fitófagas, fungívoras e algumas predadoras. Estudos recentes têm enfatizado a diversidade de padrões de comportamentos desses pequenos insetos. Das 5.500 espécies conhecidas dispersas pelo mundo, aproximadamente 10 por cento foram registradas no Brasil (a maioria em áreas tropicais). Neste trabalho, efetuou-se o levantamento da tisanopterofauna meridional, 800 km ao sul do Trópico de Capricórnio. A área de estudo foi o Parque Estadual de Itapuã (30°22'S 51°02'W), Viamão, RS, com os tripes coletados em flores, ramos, gramíneas e folhedo, de junho/1999 a maio/2001. O total de 83 espécies foi encontrado em 32 gêneros, porém apenas 29 dessas espécies puderam ser identificadas, demonstrando como a fauna de insetos do sul do Brasil carece de estudos.

Thysanoptera biodiversity in the Neotropics

It is suggested that descriptive taxonomy of thrips must be integrated into biological studies if we are to understand patterns of evolutionary and ecological diversity. Collecting and describing new taxa is easy, but understanding their position in ecosystems and how they have contributed to the origin and maintenance of biological diversity is more important yet more difficult. Many authors fail to appreciate that individual thrips species are commonly highly polymorphic, both within and between sexes, with the result that 20 of species names and 30 of generic names are currently placed into synonymy. The biological significance of such polymorphism has been little studied, but the presence of large and small males in a species is presumed to indicate some form of male/male competition for resources; this is particularly common in fungus feeding species. Amongst phytophagous species, the recognition of the host plants on which thrips actually breed is a prerequisite to understanding patterns of diversity, some thrips lineages being associated with particular groups of plants whereas others exploit a diverse range of plants. Attempts to understand the diversity of thrips, including the application of cladistic methods, are severely limited by the lack of studies on the biology of individual species, although thrips exhibit a wide range of interesting biological phenomena, including various levels of sociality, gall-induction, specific pollination associations, virus transmission, and ectoparasitism.