Merothrips

Hood, 1912

Species Guides

Merothrips floridensis

Merothrips is a of comprising approximately 19 described in the Merothripidae. The genus includes both extant species found in subtropical regions and fossil species preserved in amber. Merothrips species have been documented in South America, particularly Brazil, where multiple species occur in sympatry. A fossil species, Merothrips aithiopicus, was described from Miocene-aged Ethiopian amber.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Merothrips: //ˈmɛroʊˌθrɪps//

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Habitat

Subtropical environments in South America; forested areas producing resin (inferred from fossil amber deposits). Multiple have been observed living in sympatry in Brazil.

Distribution

Extant : widespread through Brazil and subtropical South America, with some species ranging further south than other Merothripidae. Fossil record: Ethiopia (north-western Plateau), Miocene-aged amber.

Diet

Fungivorous (based on -level characterization and observations of extant ).

Life Cycle

Wingless larval stage present; fossil larvae cannot be definitively associated with specimens.

Behavior

Multiple have been observed living in sympatry in Brazil (M. meridionalis with M. floridensis, M. mirus, and M. tympanis).

More Details

Fossil Record

The fossil Merothrips aithiopicus was described from Ethiopian amber. The age of this amber has been controversial: initially classified as mid-Cretaceous, later studies using spectroscopic analyses, revised palynological data, and paleoentomological evidence suggest a Cenozoic age, likely Miocene.