Taxonomic review of Limothrips Haliday (Thysanoptera: Thripidae): Distribution, wing dimorphism, and an illustrated key to species

The genus Limothrips Haliday includes six species. Here we provide an overview of the genus Limothrips Haliday, including data on the distribution, associated plants, and pest status of the species. Moreover, the evolution of apterygote (wingless) into pterygote (winged) insects to Limothrips, specifically in the context of cereal ecosystems, is discussed. An illustrated key to Limothrips Haliday species has been provided and formulated to be sex-based. The paper also includes, for the first time, the documented record of apterous Limothrips angulicornis Jablonowski 1894 and presents a detailed re-examination of type specimens alongside newly collected material. This highlights morphological variations and diagnostic character states and provides an updated identification key, thereby contributing significantly to the faunal record and the understanding of species diversity.