Generic diagnosis

Large, macropterous or micropterous Phlaeothripinae with row of tubercles on inner margin of fore femora. Head longer than wide, genae with 2 to 5 stout setae; postocular setae longer than eye width; maxillary stylets retracted less than half-way to postocular setae. Antennae 8-segmented, III with one sense cone, IV with 3 sense cones (multiple sensoria in one species). Pronotum transverse, notopleural sutures complete; antero-marginal setae short, epimeral and postero-angular setae well developed. Prosternal basantra small and transverse, ferna variable, usually large; mesopresternum of two triangles; metathoracic sternopleural sutures long. Mesonotum usually with complete longitudinal division. Fore tarsal tooth large; fore tibia with subapical tubercle; fore femur inner margin with series of tubercles. Fore wings pale and weak, without duplicated cilia. Pelta usually triangular with apex truncate; tergites II–VII with two pairs of sigmoid wing-retaining setae; tube shorter than head. Male fore femora without tubercles; tergite IX setae S2 not short and stout; sternite VIII usually with pore plate, sometimes also extending onto tergite VIII.

Nomenclatural data

Warithrips Mound, 1971: 453. Type species Warithrips maelzeri Mound, 1971, by original designation.

There are five species recognised in this genus.

Australian species
Warithrips acaciae (Moulton, 1968: 106)
Warithrips aridum Crespi, Morris & Mound, 2004: 297
Warithrips maelzeri Mound, 1971: 456
Warithrips polydens Crespi, Morris & Mound, 2004: 299
Warithrips polysensori Crespi, Morris & Mound, 2004: 299

Relationship data

This genus is possibly derived from the Liothrips-lineage within the Phlaeothripinae. However, as in the presumably closely related Csirothrips, the prosternum has a pair of basantra although these are small and transverse.

Distribution data

Known only from Australia, the members of this genus are found widely across the continent in the semi-arid zone.

Biological data

The species live in old, abandoned thrips galls and thrips domiciles on the phyllodes of various Acacia species.

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.