Panchaetothrips timonii Mound & Postle

(Figs 26–27, 40–41)

Panchaetothrips timonii Mound & Postle, 2004: 136 .

Panchaetothrips bifurcus Mirab-balou & Tong, 2017: 151. Syn. n.

Described originally from Broome, in northwestern Australia, from Timonius timon [ Rubiaceae], the species here considered to be a synonym was described from South China. It was distinguished from P. timonii by body color slightly darker, reticulation posterior to hind ocelli with no internal markings, and tergite II with the median pair of posteromarginal setae shorter than the submedian pair. However, in re-studying the types and paratypes of both species, we found no significant differences between them. The color differences could be influenced by slide making and age of specimens. The internal markings in reticulations on the head are so weak that sometimes are invisible, even in specimens from Australia. On tergite II the posteromarginal median setae are fine and slightly shorter than this pair of setae in both the Australian and subsequently collected Chinese specimens. The thrips fauna of southern China and northern Australia are known previously to share several species (Zhang et al. 2018).

Specimens studied. CHINA, Guangdong, Zhaoqing, Dinghushan Natural Nature Reserve (23°10'N, 112°32'E), types of bifurcus: 1 female, 5 males from Poaceae, 9.i.1978 (Weiqiu Zhang) ; Hainan, Jingfengling National Nature Reserve (18°44′N, 108°51′E), 2 females, 1 male from grass, 5.iv.1980 (Weiqiu Zhang) . Jiangxi, Chongyi, Yangling National Forest Park (25°39′N, 114°18′E), 1 female, host unknown, 22.viii.2015 (Zhaohong Wang) . Western Australia, Broome, Willie Creek, types of timonii: 3 females, 25.vii.2003, 14 females 2 males, 12.viii.2003, 2 females, 1 male, from curled leaf of Timonius timon (Rubiaceae), 28.vi.1999 (A.C.Postle) .