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.

Population dynamics and infestation of Holopothrips fulvus Morgan (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) in dwarf cashew genotypes.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the Holopothrips fulvus Morgan (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) population dynamics and to identify dwarf cashew genotypes less infested by the pest in 2015 and 2016, under field conditions. H. fulvus population evaluations were carried out by monthly observations in the plants and using a score scale varying from 0 to 4. H. fulvus infestation occurred from October to December, and in the cashew genotypes CAP 112/8, CAP 121/1, CAP 131/2, CAP 145/2, CAP 145/7, CAP 128/2, CAP 120/4, CAP 123/6, CAP 130/1, and CAP 157/2 was dependent on the flowering period of the crop in 2015. In 2016, there was dependence in all evaluated genotypes between H. fulvus infestation and the cashew flowering period. In 2015, no significant differences were observed between the evaluated genotypes regarding H. fulvus infestation. In 2016, genotypes CAP 105/5, CAP 143/7, CAP 150/3, CAP 155/2, CAP 158/8, CAP 161/7, CAP 163/8, CAP 31, CAP 71, CAP 92, CAP 113, CAP 120, CAP 155, CAP 165, CAP 106/1, CAP 111/2, CAP 127/3, CAP 157/2, and BRS 226 were less infested. H. fulvus occurs from October to December and we could identify the dwarf cashew genotypes less infested by the pest.

Efficient detection of Frankliniella schultzei (Thysanoptera, Thripidae) by cytochrome oxidase I gene (mtCOI) direct sequencing and real-time PCR

ABSTRACT Identification of Thysanoptera is based mainly on external morphology examination that can be time-consuming and difficult for non taxonomic experts. In this work, we propose a rapid and efficient molecular method to identify Frankliniella schultzei, an important and widespread pest thrips vector of tospoviruses in South America countries. Species-specific primers designed in the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene (mtCOI) were optimized for detection by conventional PCR and real-time PCR. The primers were tested on immature and adult thrips collected from crops and weeds found in São Paulo State. All samples collected were identified as F. schultzei, indicating the high prevalence of this species as vector of tospoviruses in Brazilian fields.

Species-richness in Neotropical Sericothripinae (Thysanoptera: Thripidae).

Two of the three recognized genera of Sericothripinae are known from the Neotropics, and 14 new species from this area are here described in this subfamily. Illustrated keys are provided to females of seven species of Hydatothrips, and 41 species of Neohydatothrips, mainly from Brazil but including all recorded species south of the border between Mexico and USA. Plant species on which breeding has been recorded are indicated where possible, notes are provided on the few species of economic importance, and a key is appended to second instar larvae of seven species. Neohydatothrips burungae (Hood) stat. rev. and N. aztecus Johansen stat. rev. are recalled from synonymy with Neohydatothrips signifer (Priesner), and N. denigratus (De Santis) syn. n. is synonymized with N. burungae. Hydatothrips williamsi (Hood) comb. n. is relocated from Neohydatothrips, and as this produces a homonym in the genus, Hydatothrips tareei nom. nov. is proposed for Hydatothrips williamsi Mound & Tree from Australia.