Phylogenetic relationships between the families of recent Thysanoptera (Insecta)

Abstract

One family, the Phlaeothripidae, is recognized in the suborder Tubulifera, whereas extant species of Terebrantia are classified into seven families: Uzelothripidae, Merothripidae, Aeolothripidae, Adiheterothripidae, Fauriellidae (stat. n.), Heterothripidae and Thripidae. A phylogenetic analysis of the relationships between these families is given, based on consideration of 35 imaginal characters; however, the relationships of Uzelothripidae and Phlaeothripidae to the rest of the Thysanoptera remain equivocal. The Phlaeothripidae are either derived independently from Protothysanoptera, or else are the sister-group of the Thripidae, the most specialized family of Terebrantia. Diagnostic characters, diversity, distribution and relationships of each family are discussed. Keys to family and, in Fauriellidae, to genus are provided. Holarthrothnps Bagnall (= Adihetrrothrips Ramakrishna, syn. n.) and Oligothrips Moulton are removed from Heterothri idae to Adiheterothripidae and Fauriclla Hood, Opisthothrips Hood and Ropotamothrips Pefikan (= Osmanothnps Priesner, syn. n.) from Heterothripidae to Fauriellidae (stat. n.). These transfers leave Aulacothnbs Hood, Heterothrips Hood and Scutothrips Stannard as the only genera in Heterothripidae.