Thrips speratus, zur Strassen, 1978

Rasool, Iftekhar, Alattal, Yehya Zaki & Aldhafer, Hathal M., 2023, Faunistic inventory, identification keys and zoogeographical analysis of the Thysanoptera-Terebrantia of Saudi Arabia, including two new species, Zootaxa 5306 (2), pp. 151-200 : 191

Thrips speratus zur Strassen

Thrips speratus zur Strassen, 1978: 241.

This species was described from Namibia, and is widespread from Africa, Middle East to India. It is very close to T. kurahashii based on 7 - segmented antennae, presence of pleurotergal microtrichia, discal setae on sternites, and absence of CPS on metanotum. However, it can be distinguished by fore wing first vein with three setae on distal half; metanotum with equiangular reticulation, body brown. In contrast, T. kurahashii has fore wing first vein with 6–9 setae on distal half, metanotum with longitudinal striae, and body yellow.

Material studied. Al Baha. Almendaq, Wadi Turabah , five females from Gomphocarpus sinaicus , 6.iv.2019, ( BT) ; Al Makhwa, Shada Al Aala , four females from Poaceae , 8.iv.2019, ( BT) ; Thee Ain Village , two females, 25.ix.2020, ( BT) .