Minute Leaf-litter Thrips of the Genus Preeriella (Thysanoptera, Phlaeothripidae) from Asia

Abstract

The genus Preeriella is redefined and Machadonia is newly synonymized with it. Five species of the genus are recorded from Asia, induding four newly described species: P. armigera sp. n. from Japan, P. boumieri sp. n. from Thailand, P. /ormosana sp. n. from Taiwan, and P. malaya sp. n. from West Malaysia. A key to the five Asian species is given. Adults of these species are usually less than Imm long and live in leaf-litter, but it is not known if they are predatory or fungus-feeding. One species, P. armigera, has the hind femora of large males greatly enlarged, suggesting some form of sexual competition.