Problems in character state definition and interpretation in the Haplothrips-group are discussed, together with their implications for species identification and systematics. As a result, Neoheegeria Schmutz, 1909 is redefined to include only those species in this group that have three sensoria on the third antennal segment. The subgenus Haplothrips (Gigaplothrips) Priesner, 1949 is synonymised with Neoheegeria, and four species are recognized as valid; N. dalmatica Schmutz, 1909, N. gigantea (Priesner, 1934) comb.n., N. persica Priesner, 1954, and N. sinaitica Priesner, 1934. Three new synonyms are recognized under N. dalmatica; N. ballotae Priesner, 1951, N. hamanni Priesner, 1961 and N. nevskyi Moulton, 1946, and this species is widely distributed in the southern Palearctic. In contrast, N. persica and N. sinaitica are known only from Iran and Egypt respectively, and N. gigantea from Egypt to Morocco. The following six new combinations involve species with less than three sensoria on the third antennal segment: