Sexual dimorphism of feeding stylets in some Thysanoptera – Phlaeothripinae, with description of two new species of Haplothrips from China

Abstract

Sexual dimorphism in feeding stylets is recorded among some Phlaeothripinae that have maxillary stylets long and close together in females but wider apart in males. These atypical long feeding stylets have been found in two new species of Haplothrips from China, both taken on Artemisia from Plateau zone. Two species are described and illustrated: H. helanshanensissp. nov. from Helanshan Mountain and H. longistylussp. nov. from Tibet. There is no evidence of any association between feeding behaviors and feeding stylet orientation.