Endemism among Lord Howe Island Thysanoptera, with new species of Baenothrips (Phlaeothripidae) and Scirtothrips (Thripidae)

A recent study identifies 13 likely endemic species of Thysanoptera (thrips) on Lord Howe Island, a remote volcanic remnant. Among these, three new species of Baenothrips and two of Scirtothrips are described, expanding the known diversity of this group in the region. The research highlights the island's unique biodiversity, particularly among wingless, fungus-feeding thrips (Baenothrips) and those associated with tree ferns (Scirtothrips). The study contributes to our understanding of endemism in isolated ecosystems, using morphological analysis to distinguish new species.

MOUND, L. A., & WELLS, A. (2023). Endemism among Lord Howe Island Thysanoptera, with new species of Baenothrips (Phlaeothripidae) and Scirtothrips (Thripidae). Zootaxa, 5228(1), 81–91. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5228.1.5