Generic diagnosis

Large dark macropterous Phlaeothripinae. Head longer than wide, narrowed to base with several stout cheek setae; postocular setae long, arising well behind eyes; maxillary stylets close together medially, retracted to postocular setae. Antennae 8-segmented, III with one sense cone, IV with 3 sense cones. Pronotum massive, notopleural sutures complete; antero-marginal and mid-lateral setae small. Pronotal basantra present, ferna large and in largest individuals with median margins parallel; mesopresternum of three sclerites; metathoracic sternopleural sutures present. Fore tarsal tooth large in female, smaller in male. Fore wing broad, without duplicated cilia; terminal cilia short. Pelta rectangular; tergites II–VII with 2 pairs of wing-retaining setae; tergite IX setae long; tube almost as long as head, constricted at apex. Sternites III–VII with paired lateral areas of elongate reticulation. Male sternite VIII with large pore plate commonly extending onto tergite laterally; tergite IX setae S2 short and stout.

Nomenclatural data

Csirothrips Mound, 1971: 398. Type species Csirothrips watsoni Mound, 1971, by monotypy.

Only a single species is placed in this genus.

Australian species
Csirothrips watsoni Mound, 1971: 399

Relationship data

This genus of Phlaeothripinae is presumably related to Warithrips, another Australian genus that is similarly associated with Acacia trees.

Distribution data

The only known species is widespread but infrequent across central Australia.

Biological data

This species invades and breeds in abandoned Kladothrips galls on Acacia aneura.

References

Crespi BJ, Morris DC & Mound LA (2004) Evolution of ecological and behavioural diversity: Australian Acacia thrips as model organisms. Australian Biological Resources Study & Australian National Insect Collection, CSIRO, Canberra, Australia, pp. 1–328.