The genus Bactrothrips in China (Thysanoptera: Idolothripinae): morphological and molecular data, and a key with two new species

Abstract

Seven species of Bactrothrips Karny are recognized from China, based on morphological and molecular data, including Bactrothrips elongatus n. sp. and B. furvescrus n. sp. Meiothrips baishanzuensis Duan & Li is a new synonym of B. brevitubus Takahashi, and Bactrothrips brevitubus zhamanus Han & Zhang is a new synonym of B. pictipes Haga & Okajima. Molecular evidence provides clear relationships in the N-J tree among species studied here. A generic diagnosis and key to Chinese Bactrothrips species are also given.

Review of the spore-feeding Idolothripinae from China (Thysanoptera, Phlaeothripidae)

“…The record is an error because the single species involved, Neosmerinthothrips brevicollis , is known only from the Seychelles, and the name was presumably confused with a similarly named species of Nesothrips . Keys have been published to the species from China in a few genera, including Bactrothrips , Gastrothrips , Meiothrips , and Ophthalmothrips (Dang and Qiao 2012a, Cao et al 2009, Dang and Qiao 2012b, Cao et al 2010). Recently, Dang et al (2013) reported some changes in nomenclature, including new synonyms, new combinations and new records from China.…”

“…Dang and Qiao (2012a) provided an identification key to these seven species, based on morphological and DNA barcoding data. The genus Bactrothrips is closely related to Megathrips , and differs from Megalothrips in usually having shorter maxillary stylets.…”

“…The significance of four genera in the subtribe Idolothripina, Bactrothrips , Megalothrips , Megathrips , and Meiothrips , remains problematic (Dang and Qiao 2012a), and further studies are needed on the inter-relationships between the Holarctic and tropical faunas. The species of Megalothrips are identified by their remarkably elongate stylets which are close together medially, but they share other character states with Bactrothrips and Megathrips species.…”

“…Mound and Palmer (1983) indicated that Megathrips could be distinguished from Bactrothrips only by the slightly larger head and more deeply retracted stylets. However, in China, Megathrips and Bactrothrips species are similar in having the stylets short and V-shaped, but the lateral lobes of the pelta are broadly fused to the median lobe in Bactrothrips species whereas these lateral lobes are separate or narrowly joined in Megathrips species (Dang and Qiao 2012a). …”

“…Moreover, Meiothrips baishanzuensis Duan & Li from Henan Province was synonymised with Bactrothrips brevitubus Takahashi by Dang and Qiao (2012a).…”