Fauriellidae

Definition

A family of thrips (order Thysanoptera) characterized by distinctive wing venation and antennal structure; members are typically small, slender insects found in leaf litter, soil, or vegetation, with some species exhibiting reduced or absent wings. The family was established by Priesner in 1949 and represents one of the more morphologically specialized lineages within the suborder Terebrantia.

Etymology

Named after the entomologist Fauriel; family suffix -idae.

Example

Species in Fauriellidae, such as those in the genus Fauriella, are often collected in Berlese funnel samples from decaying wood and humus, where they feed on fungal hyphae or decaying plant material.

Related Terms

• Thysanoptera
• Terebrantia
• Thripidae
• Phlaeothripidae
• Thrips
• microarthropod

Usage Notes

Fauriellidae is a relatively small family within Thysanoptera, distinguished from the larger families Thripidae and Phlaeothripidae by details of the forewing costal setae, pelta structure, and male genitalia. Identification to family level requires slide-mounted specimens and examination of microscopic characters. The family is sometimes overlooked in general surveys due to its cryptic habits and small body size (typically 1–2 mm).