Generic diagnosis

Large dark Idolothripinae, Macrothripina. Head much smaller than prothorax; maxillary stylets scarcely retracted into head; genae with several stout setae; postocular setae long, remaining setae on head short; head projecting slightly in front of eyes; mouth cone short and rounded. Antennae 8- segmented; segments III and IV with sense cones small, 2 on III, 4 on IV; segment VIII slender and constricted to base. Pronotum with only epimeral and posteroangular setal pairs long, the other three major setal pairs all short; notopleural sutures complete. Prosternal basantra well developed, ferna large; mesopresternum boat-shaped; metathoracic sternopleural sutures absent. Metanotum reticulate, setae small. Fore femora swollen in both sexes, sharply angled in male; fore tarsal tooth large in both sexes. Fore wing widest in distal third, with numerous duplicated cilia. Pelta broad; tergites II–VI each with one pair of wing-retaining setae, these setae small on VII; tergites with several small setae in an irregular transverse row; lateral abdominal setae long and acute; tube slightly longer than head, with straight sides. Male tergite IX setae similar to those of female; sternites without pore plates.

Nomenclatural data

Herathrips Mound, 1974: 54. Type species Adiaphorothrips nativus Girault, by monotypy.

The single species in this genus is known only from Australia.

Australian species
Herathrips nativus (Girault, 1928: 2).

Relationship data

This genus is closely related to Ethirothrips in the Idolothripinae, Pygothripini, Macrothripina, but is distinguished because the maxillary stylets are unusually low in the head. This condition is unusual for any member of Idolothripinae.

Distribution data

Known only from Australia, between southeast Queensland and Taree in New South Wales.

Biological data

The species occurs on dead branches of various trees and shrubs, feeding on fungal spores. However, it has also been found inside rolled leaves of Dissiliaria baloghoides [Picrodendraceae] in Brisbane Forest Park.

References

Mound LA (1974) Spore-feeding Thrips (Phlaeothripidae) from Leaf Litter and Dead Wood in Australia. Australian Journal of Zoology 27: 1–106.