A Preliminary Review of the Flower Thrips Frankliniella Karny (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) with Taxonomic Updates and Description of Five New Species

Abstract. No comprehensive identification resource is available for the genus Frankliniella. In response, a dynamic internet–based platform with interactive identification tools, species fact sheets and slide preparation tutorials are being developed by the author(s). We reviewed certain type, port interceptions, and origin collected specimens. We attempted to validate species identification using non-destructive DNA extraction and sequencing of both intercepted and field collected specimens. Sequences explicitly linked to a permanently curated morphological voucher specimen were deposited in a public repository (GenBank). The morphological review and genetic analysis revealed that both F. bruneri Watson and F. xanthaner Hood are each likely cryptic species complexes. Five species are described, F. ecuatoriana new species, F. funderburki new species, F. pelucensis new species, F. sanabriana new species and F. suramericana new species. Sequence data are recorded for the holotype specimens of the latter four species. Taxonomic status changes for F. genuina Hood and F. venusta Moulton are provided.