New synonymy among gall thrips of the Asian genus Mesothrips, with revision of species from China (Thysanoptera, Haplothripini)

Abstract

Historical, nomenclatural, technical, and biological problems associated with the 42 species of Mesothrips are discussed. Type specimens have been re-examined of 14 of the 25 species that were described prior to 1930 and remain known only from imperfectly slide-mounted specimens. As a result, seven new synonyms are recognised. From China, six species of Mesothrips have been listed, but the records of M. alluaudi and M. manii are rejected, and three new species are described: M. jianfengi sp. nov., M. longistylus sp. nov., and M. vernicia sp. nov. These three species are divergent from other members of Mesothrips in lacking a prominent fore tarsal tooth and may indicate a possible generic relationship to the flower-living species in the Asian genus Dolichothrips. An illustrated key is provided to the seven Mesothrips species now known from China.