Uzelothripidae

Definition

A family of thrips (order Thysanoptera) distinguished by the distinctive whip-like tip of the antenna. The family contains a single extant genus, Uzelothrips, with one living species (U. scabrosus) found in tropical and subtropical regions of South America, Australia, Southeast Asia, and Africa, plus one fossil species (U. eocenicus) from the Eocene of France. The family name honors Czech entomologist Jindřich Uzel, author of the first monograph on Thysanoptera.

Etymology

Named for Jindřich Uzel (1867–1946), Czech entomologist who published the foundational monograph on thrips; combined with Greek thrips (woodworm)

Example

Specimens of Uzelothripidae are recognized in the field by their elongated antennae ending in a slender, whip-like flagellum, a trait unique among thrips families.

Related Terms

• Thysanoptera
• Thrips
• Uzelothrips
• Terebrantia
• Tubulifera
• fringed wings

Usage Notes

A rare example of a monogeneric, largely monospecific insect family with a disjunct modern distribution and fossil record extending to the Eocene. The whip-like antennal tip is the key diagnostic character separating this family from all other Thysanoptera.