Exploring Aeolothrips spp. Diversity: A Morpho-Molecular Examination of Aeolothrips collaris and Aeolothrips intermedius (Thysanoptera: Aeolothripidae)

Abstract

This study investigated the evolutionary relationship between Aeolothrips collaris Priesner, 1919 and Aeolothrips intermedius Bagnall, 1934 within the Thysanoptera: Aeolothripidae family. Notably, A. collaris DNA barcode was made for the first time and compared with other Aeolothrips species in GenBank. While revealing a close genetic association (82-83%) between these species, the analysis using the Neighbor-Joining method clustered A. collaris with A. albicinctus Haliday, 1836 and A. ericae Bagnall, 1920, while A. albicinctus grouped alongside A. fasciatus (Linnaeus 1758) and A. duvali Moulton, 1927 GenBank BlastN analysis supported the expected placement of A. intermedius. These insights highlight significant genetic connections but suggest the necessity for a broader examination involving more species and gene regions. Expanding this research could yield a comprehensive understanding of the intricate taxonomic relationships within this thrips genus, setting the groundwork for future investigations into thrips species evolution and taxonomy.