A new genus of gall-dwelling thrips from Costa Rica (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae: Phlaeothripinae)

Abstract

A new genus and species of thrips, Fourbethrips fiorella, inhabiting stems, petioles and leaf vein galls of a Melastomataceae from Costa Rica is described. The galls are induced by an unidentified gall midge larva (Cecidomyiidae). This new thrips can be distinguished from other genus and species of Phlaeothripinae by the shape of the pelta, the position of maxillary stylets in the head, the reduced and acute anterior pair of postocular setae, the long and capitate posterior pair of postocular setae, the presence of a group of minute setae, and a pair of short ventral setae
in the middle area of the abdominal sternites II-VII. The tergites II-VII have a pair of campaniform sensillae.