Sphingothrips Ananthakrishnan

(Fig. 83)

Sphingothrips Ananthakrishnan, 1972: 115 . Type species: Dolerothrips trachypogon Karny, by monotypy.

Amphidoxothrips Reyes, 1994: 351 . Type species: Amphidoxothrips armatus Reyes, by monotypy. Synonymised by Bhatti, 2004: 132.

Only one species is recognized in this genus, based on a single male, as is the synonym indicated above. The shape of the head, strongly constricted to a basal neck, is similar to that of species of Mesothrips, but the cheeks bear stout setae on the basal third (Fig. 83). However, the structure of the female remains unknown. Sphingothrips is a member of the Liothrips- lineage, with antennal segments III–IV bearing 1 and 3 sensoria respectively, and the prosternal basantra not developed.

Diagnosis: Head longer than wide, male with cheeks sharply constricted to basal neck (Fig. 83), with several stout setae; eyes normal, postocular setae well-developed; stylets retracted to postocular setae, about one fifth of head width apart medially with maxillary bridge; antennae 8-segmented, III with 1 sensorium, IV with 3; pronotum with major setae developed, am small, notopleural sutures complete; basantra absent; mesopresternum transverse; sternopleural sutures absent; fore tarsal tooth present in male; fore wings parallel-sided, with duplicated cilia; pelta triangular; tergites II–VII with 2 pairs of wing-retaining setae; tube with straight sides, slightly shorter than head; male sternite VIII without pore plate.