Evolution and genetic diversity among Thysanoptera
Mound L
CSIRO Entomology, Canberra, Australia.
Correspondence: Laurence.Mound@csiro.au
Three aspects of thrips will be discussed: their classification, evolution and genetic diversity. The long-established classification of the insect Order Thysanoptera is morphology based but is not derived from modern phylogenetic concepts. The emphasis on structural autapomorphies results in 50% of the genera being monotypic, and the higher taxa remain poorly defined. Evolutionary studies on thrips using molecular methods are in their infancy, but are starting to yield interesting results that are at variance with morphology. Molecular methods are also being used to examine the genetic diversity within and between thrips species, and to produce new systems for routine identification of some taxa.
