Phlaeothripidae

Definition

A large family of thrips (order Thysanoptera), sole extant family of the suborder Tubulifera, distinguished by a tube-shaped terminal abdominal segment (pelta) and forewings, when present, with reduced venation. The family comprises roughly 3,400 species in two subfamilies: Idolothripinae (about 80 genera, often with enlarged, toothed mouthparts for feeding on fungal spores) and Phlaeothripinae (nearly 400 genera, including many gall-inducing and litter-dwelling species). Most species are tropical fungivores or detritivores, though some feed on leaves or induce plant galls.

Etymology

From Greek phlaios (bark, scale) + thrips (woodworm, thrips), referring to the cryptic habits of many species under bark or in leaf litter.

Example

Species of Phlaeothripidae such as those in the genus Gynaikothrips induce characteristic leaf galls on Ficus species, while members of Idolothripinae with their conspicuously toothed maxillary stylets are specialized feeders on hyphal networks and spore masses of decomposer fungi.

Related Terms

• Thysanoptera
• Tubulifera
• Terebrantia
• Idolothripinae
• Phlaeothripinae
• Thrips
• fungivore
• gall induction
• pelta

Usage Notes

Phlaeothripidae is distinguished from the other major thrips lineage, Terebrantia, by abdominal structure (tubular versus conical apex) and wing venation. The family is morphologically diverse; some genera are fully winged, others completely apterous. Ecological generalizations (e.g., 'fungivorous') apply more strongly to Idolothripinae, whereas Phlaeothripinae includes many plant-feeding and gall-associated species. The extinct family Rohrthripidae is the only other known member of Tubulifera.