Thrips No. 11 2009 ISSN 0974-6587 26 October 2009

Ramezani, L., J. S. Bhatti, M. S. Mossadegh, E. Soleimannejadian Discovery of Eremiothrips similis in , with a catalogue of species of Eremiothrips in Iran (Insecta: Terebrantia: Thripidae) 1–18

Eremiothrips similis abdominal segments 9-10, dorsal

Scientia Publishing, New Delhi 110027 Thrips No. 11: 1–18. 26 Oct. 2009. ISSN 0974-6587 Scientia Publishing, New Delhi.

Discovery of Eremiothrips similis in Iran, with a catalogue of species of Eremiothrips in Iran (Insecta: Terebrantia: Thripidae)

Leila Ramezani 1, 2, J. S. Bhatti 3, M. S. Mossadegh 1, E. Soleimannejadian 1

1Shahid Chamran University, Ahwaz, Iran. 2 e-mail: [email protected] 3New Delhi, India. e-mail: [email protected]

Abstract. Eremiothrips similis Bhatti 1988, originally described from one female and two males from Iraq, is not known so far from any other area. There is also no subsequent report of the species. The species has now been found in various parts of of Iran on four cereal crops. It has been collected in fairly good numbers. Random samples collected from Sept 2007 to Nov 2008 comprise 75 131 , indicating that E. similis is widely distributed on crops in Khuzestan province. The geographical distribution of Eremiothrips similis now extends from Baghdad in Iraq to Khuzestan in Iran. Some characters for recognition of the species are noted and illustrated. A catalogue is given for the 11 species of Eremiothrips now known from Iran.

Introduction 2 Catalogue of species of Eremiothrips in Iran 5 Eremiothrips similis in Iran 10 Identification of Eremiothrips similis 12 References 16 2 Thrips No. 11, 2009

Introduction

Eremiothrips Priesner 1949 is an eremophilous genus of the thysanopteran insect order Terebrantia (superorder Thysanoptera) in the family Thripidae in the reorganized classification of families (Bhatti 2006). The genus Eremiothrips has been characterized in the following accounts: (1) Priesner 1949, Bulletin de la Société Fouad Ier d’Entomologie, 33: 44, 45, 46, 60, 61, in key to genera; 129, E. imitator Pries., designated as type of genus. Original publication of the genus Eremiothrips as available name (Art. 13.1.1 and 13.3 of the Zoological Code). Distinguishing characters of Eremiothrips are given in the key to genera. Related to Scirtothrips. Wings as in Psilothrips. (2) Priesner 1950, Bulletin de la Société Fouad Ier d’Entomologie, 34: 28–29. This is the first description of the genus Eremiothrips and its type species Eremiothrips imitator. The genus comes close to Scirtothrips. The species name appears as Eremiothrips imitans in the caption to the figs. 6 and 7. (3) Priesner 1965, Publications de l’Institut du Désert d’Egypte (1960), 13: 252–253. Original description of Ascirtothrips. Comes closest to Scirtothrips. Ascirtothrips (Antilopothrips) is described as new subgenus of Ascirtothrips, to include Ascirtothrips antilope (Priesner) (type species) and A. shirabudinensis (Yakhontov 1929). (4) Priesner 1965, Publications de l’Institut du Désert d’Egypte (1960), 13: 256–257, 257–258. Description of Eremiothrips and Eremiothrips imitator Priesner. Shape of wings about as in Ascirtothrips. Structure of cuticle as in Ascirtothrips. (5) Bhatti 1972, Oriental Insects, 6 (2): 218–219. Definition of the genus Ascirtothrips, characters, discussion, key to 5 known species. Modern definition of the genus is given. Ascirtothrips (Antilopothrips Priesner 1965) is synonymized under Ascirtothrips. Hemianaphothrips dubius (Priesner) is transferred to Ascirtothrips. Five species are included in Ascirtothrips (antilope, dubius, efflatouni, shirabudinensis, varius). Critical analysis of the genus is given. Ascirtothrips is not related to Scirtothrips but is related to Anaphothrips, from which it differs in having well developed mediodorsal setae on abdominal tergum IX of female and in having divided ferna in both sexes. The abdominal sterna of male lack gland areas except in dubius with gland area on each of abdominal sterna IV–VII. Phallic organs of four species are illustrated. Ascirtothrips is characterized as follows, based on 4 species studied (antilope, dubius, efflatouni, varius): Head with two pairs of anteocellar setae. Antennal segment I without setae dorsally near apex; antennal segment II without microtrichia. Pronotal surface weakly transversely striate. Basantra absent. Ferna divided, the two halves widely separated. Median pair of mesonotal setae far ahead of posterior margin. Metascutum without discal pores, median pair of setae far removed from anterior margin; metascutal sculpture medially reticulate. Mesoanepimeron with a few longitudinal anastomosing striae, and with a covering of microtrichia. Spinula present on mesosternum only. Mesothoracic sternopleural sutures present. Tarsi 2-segmented. Posterior fringes on fore wing undulated. Abdominal tergum II with 3 lateral marginal setae. Terga and sterna without posterior Ramezani, Bhatti, Mossadegh, Soleimannejadian: Discovery of Eremiothrips similis in Iran 3 flanges. Laterotergite and pleurite areas not marked out. Seta S4 on abdominal tergum VI not reduced, on VII and VIII weakly developed but not indistinct. Abdominal terga I to VIII completely sculptured with transverse lines across middle, these lines scarcely anastomose. Median pair of setae on female abdominal sternum VII ahead of posterior margin. Phallus entirely membranous, unarmed, with short lateral lobes, and with terminal gonopore; phallic cords sinuous and cross- striate, basally ending in a sac or vesicle. Hypophallus normal, usually without special development, proximal part of parameres broad. Hypomere simple. Parameres simple, or with teeth (dubius). A unique feature in species of Ascirtothrips is noted: the prothorax has each sternal apophysis joined by a thin thread-like weakly chitinized structure to the pleural apophysis of its side. Species of Ascirtothrips are extremely difficult to separate in the female sex, especially involving the females of antilope, dubius, shirabudinensis, varius, although the fifth species efflatouni is readily separated by having 8-segmented antennae with only a partially divided antennal segment VI. It was also noted that some of the specimens, determined as antilope from Morocco (cf. zur Strassen 1968: 73–74), received at that time from zur Strassen represented an undescribed species. (6) zur Strassen 1975, Senckenbergiana Biologica, 56 (4–6): 257–282. This is the most exhaustive comparative study of species of Ascirtothrips, and still remains indispensable for studies in the genus. 10 species are included in the genus, of which 5 are described as new. A comprehensive key to these species of Ascirtothrips is provided (p. 279–281). The following characters (listed on p. 258) are used for distinguishing females of species in this genus. (i) Length of inner sense cone on antennal segment V compared to the length of outer sense cone. (ii) Length of the (outer) sense cone on antennal segment VI in relation with the segment IX. (iii) Number of anteocellar setae. 6 (rarely 8) anteocellar setae in brunneus (p. 264), 4 anteocellar setae in all other species. (iv) Structure and length of the (inner) discal setae of metanotum compared to the (outer) submarginal setae. (v) Length of the proximal setae on lower vein of fore wing in relation with the width of wing at the level of fork of vein (Adergabelung). (vi) Number of distal costal setae at the anterior margin of fore wing after the distally last fringe hair. (vii)Position of the discal-“pores” on tergites VIII (and VII). zur Strassen reexamined the entire material previously identified as antilope from Morocco (zur Strassen 1968: 73–74), and described three new species based on this material from Morocco (brunneus, dorcas, tamaricis). He also described two new species from Iran (arya, taghizadehi), based on material from Iran collected by him in 1973 (Tehran, from Dendrostellera lessertii, 30- viii-1973). (7) Bhatti 1988, Zoology, 1 (2): 117–125. This review clarifies the taxonomic status of the nominal genera Ascirtothrips and Eremiothrips. Eremiothrips, previously known as a monotypic genus with only the type species (imitator) is treated as senior synonym of Ascirtothrips. 13 species are included in Eremiothrips, of which 10 species are transferred from Ascirtothrips, one species (manolachei) is transferred from Oxythrips, and a new species (similis) is described from Iraq. Lectotype of Eremiothrips imitator Priesner is designated. 6 figures are given from this specimen, illustrating the antennae, head, pronotum, meso- and metanotum, and abdominal terga VII–X. 4 Thrips No. 11, 2009

Synonymy of the genus and its species is given. (8) zur Strassen 2003, Die Tierwelt Deutschlands, Part 74: 123 (generic diagnosis of Eremiothrips), 124–126 (key to 8 species of Europe and the Mediterranean area, which include 5 species found in Iran, i.e. antilope, efflatouni, taghizadehi, tamaricis, varius). Small mostly pale insects with pterothorax width of 165–270 µm, in 150–220 µm. Antennae as a rule 9-segmented, with 3-segmented style, rarely 2-segmented with segment VI often having an incomplete subapical transverse suture. Maxillary palp 3-segmented. Pronotum with a posteroangular seta which is sometimes very short. Fore wing with the setae of the two long veins usually short and somewhat thickened, those at the level of fork of vein often only 0.25–0.33 times as long as the width of wing at this place. Ovipositor generally shorter than 230 µm. Abdominal segment IX of male with paired caudally directed processes in a majority of species found in the region. (9) Bhatti & Telmadarraiy 2003, Thrips, No. 2: 55–56 (description of Eremiothrips), 57–58 (re- lationships of Eremiothrips), 58–99 (description of E. farsi, new species from Iran), 100–106 (key to species of Eremiothrips in Iran). New structural features are described. Eyes ventrally each with 6 pigmented facets. Antennal segment I with 6+5 setae, II with 7 (+1) setae, III and IV each with 5 setae, V with 6 setae, VI with 5 to 6 setae, VII and VIII each with 3 setae, IX with 6 setae. Dorsal cervical sclerites are absent. Prothoracic pleuron lateral in position. Mesoacrotergite with 4 pairs of setae. Mesonotum usually with 3 pairs of campaniform sensilla. Metanotum without campaniform sensilla. Metanotum with median (inner) pair of setae either distinctly shorter than anterior (outer) pair or sometimes longer than the latter. Basantra membranous, basantral sclerites absent. Postferna absent. Metafurca without basal platform. Metaepimeron with usually 2 setae. Metaepisternum without setae. Metapreepisternum with one seta. Hind leg with median length of coxa not less than its width; coxal apodeme simple, not coiled, nor enlarged; trochanter broader than long, both dorsally and ventrally. Costa with 22 to 29 setae; apical costal seta about 2–2.8 times as long as the penultimate costal seta. Radius (upper vein) with 9–12 setae; series of setae broadly interrupted, with 6 to 8 setae in proximal half of wing length and usually 3 setae in distal half. Cubitus (lower vein) with 7 to 13 setae (this vein is to be called media; see Bhatti 2006: fig. 41 on p. 370). Clavus with 4 to 6 setae on anal vein and with 1 seta on disc. Hind wing with 3 to 5 hamuli, and a single frenular seta. Posterior margin of tergum VIII with or without comb of microtrichia; other terga without a posterior marginal comb. Terga without ctenidia. Median pair of setae (S1) on tergum I minute. S1 on II to VIII arising fairly wide apart, not reduced, nearly equal to S2 setae. Terga III to VIII each with 6 pairs of setae. Tergum VIII with setae S1 to S3 and S6 somewhat enlarged; setae S4 and S5 shorter than S2 on terga VII and VIII. Seta S6 on tergum VIII in inserted ahead of posterior margin, in male inserted at the posterior margin. Tergum X either split longitudinally or lacking split. Epiproct and paraprocts simple, not fringed posteriorly; epiproct with one pair of setae; each paraproct with 4 minute setae. Abdominal spiracles (on tergum I and VIII) not enlarged. Sterna without accessory setae. Male: often with a pair of special processes on abdominal tergum IX, but sometimes without such processes. Abdominal sterna either without gland areas, or with an oval or transversely elongate gland area on each of sterna IV to VII (arya, dubius, farsi, taghizadehi). Parameres simple, or Ramezani, Bhatti, Mossadegh, Soleimannejadian: Discovery of Eremiothrips similis in Iran 5 armed ventrally near the middle with a single tooth (farsi), or 2 closely placed teeth (arya), or with a series of teeth along its length (dubius).

Catalogue of species of Eremiothrips in Iran

Eremiothrips now includes the following 11 species from Iran. For additional information, see Bhatti, Alavi, zur Strassen, & Telmadarraiy (2009).

Eremiothrips antilope (Priesner 1923). Egypt, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Yemen, Morocco, Sudan, Cyprus, India. Anaphothrips antilope Priesner 1923, Entomologische Mitteilungen, 12 (1): 63–64 (description); 12 (2): figs. 1–2 (on p. 120). . Egypt. (in German). Original description. [Lectotype is designated by zur Strassen 1975: 259]. Ascirtothrips antilope (Priesner 1923). — Priesner 1957, Zoologischer Anzeiger, 159 (7–8): 165 (footnote). (in German). Transferred to Ascirtothrips. Ascirtothrips antilope (Priesner 1923). — zur Strassen 1975, Senckenbergiana Biologica, 56 (4–6): 259–260, 280. (in German). Diagnostic characters, and in key to species. Lectotype is designated. Eremiothrips antilope (Priesner 1923). — Bhatti 1988, Zoology, 1 (2): 118. Transferred to Eremiothrips. Eremiothrips antilope (Priesner 1923). — Bhatti & zur Strassen 2009, Thrips, No. 7: 18, 38. Species of Thysanoptera in Iran (checklist, scientific names). Tehran province (Pakdasht region). Pirafkan, Kamali, Ostovan, & Manzari (2006, Proceedings of the 17th Iranian Plant Protection Congress, Vol. I: 77, Ascirtothrips antilope), Pakdasht region.

Eremiothrips arya (zur Strassen 1975). Iran. Endemic to Iran. Ascirtothrips arya zur Strassen 1975, Senckenbergiana Biologica, 56 (4–6): 260–263, 281. . Iran (Tehran). (in German). Original description, and in key to species. Eremiothrips arya (zur Strassen 1975). — Bhatti 1988, Zoology, 1 (2): 118. Transferred to Eremiothrips. Eremiothrips arya (zur Strassen 1975). — Bhatti, Telmadarraiy, Kumar, & Tyagi 2003, Thrips, No. 2: 51 (in catalogue), 103 (in key to Iranian species). Eremiothrips arya (zur Strassen 1975). — Bhatti & zur Strassen 2009, Thrips, No. 7: 18, 38. Species of Thysanoptera in Iran (checklist, scientific names). Tehran province. zur Strassen (1975, Senckenbergiana Biologica, 56 (4–6): 260–263, Ascirtothrips arya). Tehran.

Eremiothrips dubius (Priesner 1933). Canary Islands, Morocco, Spain, Iran. Scirtothrips (Proscirtothrips) dubius Priesner 1933, Stettiner Entomologische Zeitung, 94 (2): 184–186. . Canary Islands. (in German). Original description. Ascirtothrips dubius (Priesner 1933). — Bhatti 1972, Oriental Insects, 6 (2): 220 (in key to species), 221 (characters), figs. 3, 10, 21–23. Transferred to Ascirtothrips. 6 Thrips No. 11, 2009

Ascirtothrips dubius (Priesner 1933). — zur Strassen 1975, Senckenbergiana Biologica, 56 (4–6): 270–271, 281. (in German). Diagnostic characters, and in key to species. Eremiothrips dubius (Priesner 1933). — Bhatti 1988, Zoology, 1 (2): 120. Transferred to Eremiothrips. Eremiothrips dubius (Priesner 1933). — zur Strassen 2003, Die Tierwelt Deutschlands, Part 74: 126, 2 figs. (in German). In key to species of Eremiothrips. Eremiothrips dubius (Priesner 1933). — Bhatti, Telmadarraiy, Kumar, & Tyagi 2003, Thrips, No. 2: 52 (in catalogue), 103 (in key to Iranian species) figs. Eremiothrips dubius (Priesner 1933). — Bhatti & zur Strassen 2009, Thrips, No. 7: 18, 38. Species of Thysanoptera in Iran (checklist, scientific names). Kerman province (Kerman). Kheyrandish Koshkoei, Moharramipour, & Kamali (2000, Proceedings of the 14th Iranian Plant Protection Congress, Vol. I: 355, Eremiothrips dubius), Kerman. Yazd province (Yazd area). Mohaghegh H & Kheyrandish Koshkoei (2002, Proceedings of the 15th Iranian Plant Protection Congress, Vol. I: 183 / 310, Eremiothrips dubius), Yazd area.

Eremiothrips efflatouni (Priesner 1965). Egypt, Canary Islands, Israel, Iran. Ascirtothrips (Ascirtothrips) efflatouni Priesner 1965, Publications de l’Institut du Desert d’Egypte (1960), No. 13: 253–255. . Egypt. Original description. Ascirtothrips efflatouni (Priesner 1965). — zur Strassen 1975, Senckenbergiana Biologica, 56 (4–6): 271–272, 279. (in German). Diagnostic characters, and in key to species. Eremiothrips efflatouni (Priesner 1965). — Bhatti 1988, Zoology, 1 (2): 120. Transferred to Eremiothrips. Eremiothrips efflatouni (Priesner 1965). — zur Strassen 2003, Die Tierwelt Deutschlands, Part 74: 124, 2 figs. (in German). In key to species of Eremiothrips. Eremiothrips efflatouni (Priesner 1965). — Bhatti, Telmadarraiy, Kumar, & Tyagi 2003, Thrips, No. 2: 52 (in catalogue), 100 (in key to Iranian species). Eremiothrips efflatouni (Priesner 1965). — Bhatti & zur Strassen 2009, Thrips, No. 7: 18, 38. Species of Thysanoptera in Iran (checklist, scientific names). Khuzestan province (Ahwaz region). Cheraghian & Hojat (1998, Proceedings of the 13th Iranian Plant Protection Congress, Vol. I: 211, Ascirtothrips efflatouni), Ahwaz region. Mossadegh & Kocheili (2003, Semi-Descriptive Checklist of Identified Species of Arthropods and other Pests from Khuzestan, p. 115, Ascirtothrips efflatouni), Ahwaz.

Eremiothrips farsi Bhatti & Telmadarraiy 2003. Iran. Eremiothrips farsi Bhatti & Telmadarraiy 2003, Thrips, No. 2: 58–99. . Iran. Original description. Eremiothrips farsi Bhatti & Telmadarraiy 2003. — Bhatti & zur Strassen 2009, Thrips, No. 7: 18, 38. Species of Thysanoptera in Iran (checklist, scientific names). Ramezani, Bhatti, Mossadegh, Soleimannejadian: Discovery of Eremiothrips similis in Iran 7

Mazandaran province. Bhatti & Telmadarraiy (2003, Thrips, No. 2: 58–99, Eremiothrips farsi), Telmadarreh village, 90 km S of Sari.

Eremiothrips shirabudinensis (Yakhontov 1929). Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Iran, Iraq, Mongolia. Anaphothrips (Hemianaphothrips) shirabudinensis Yakhontov 1929, Trudy Shirabudinskoi Opitnoij Selsko-Ksosjaslwennoi Stansij, 2 (2): 8–11. . Uzbekistan. Original description. (in English and Russian). Ascirtothrips shirabudinensis (Yakhontov 1929). — Priesner 1964, Bestimmungsbücher zur Bodenfauna Europas, 2: 55. (in German). Transferred to Ascirtothrips. Ascirtothrips shirabudinensis (Yakhontov 1929). — zur Strassen 1975, Senckenbergiana Biologica, 56 (4–6): 272–274, 280. (in German). Diagnostic characters, and in key to species. Eremiothrips shirabudinensis (Yakhontov 1929). — Bhatti 1988, Zoology, 1 (2): 123. Transferred to Eremiothrips. Eremiothrips shirabudinensis (Yakhontov 1929). — Bhatti, Telmadarraiy, Kumar, & Tyagi 2003, Thrips, No. 2: 52–53 (in catalogue), 102 (in key to Iranian species). Eremiothrips shirabudinensis (Yakhontov 1929). — Bhatti & zur Strassen 2009, Thrips, No. 7: 18, 39. Species of Thysanoptera in Iran (checklist, scientific names). Kerman province (Jiroft area; Kerman). Kheyrandish Koshkoei, Moharramipour, & Kamali (2000, Proceedings of the 14th Iranian Plant Protection Congress, Vol. I: 355, Eremiothrips shirabudinensis), Kerman. Teraz & Kheyrandish Koshkoei (2002, Proceedings of the 15th Iranian Plant Protection Congress, Vol. I: 184 / 312, Eremiothrips shirabudinensis), Jiroft area. Khorasan-e-Shomali province (Bojnourd region). Alavi & Kamali (2003, Thrips, No. 2: 31, Eremiothrips shirabudinensis), Badranlu (Bojnourd region). Alavi (2004, Proceedings of the 16th Iranian Plant Protection Congress, Vol. I: 112, Eremiothrips shirabudinensis), Bojnourd region. Khuzestan province (Masjed-Soleiman (Andika, Ghasem-abad); Ahwaz region; Meydavoud; ). Cheraghian & Hojat (1998, Proceedings of the 13th Iranian Plant Protection Congress, Vol. I: 211, Ascirtothrips shirabudinensis), Ahwaz region. Bagheri S, Alavi, & Kajbaf-vala (2002, Proceedings of the 2nd National Plant Protection Conference on Forests and Rangelands, p. 15, Eremiothrips shirabudinensis), locality not stated. Mossadegh & Kocheili (2003, Semi-Descriptive Checklist of Identified Species of Arthropods and other Pests from Khuzestan, p. 115, Ascirtothrips shirabudinensis), Ahwaz, Meydavoud. Bagheri S, Alavi, & Behnamfar (2005, Abstracts Book of the 2nd Symposium of Medicinal Plants, p. 52 / 65, Eremiothrips shirabudinensis), locality not stated. Bagheri S, Alavi, & Yousef Naanaie (2005, Iranian Journal of Forest and Range Protection Research, 2 (2): 178, 185, 187 / 221, Eremiothrips shirabudinensis), Andika, Ghasem-abad, Ramhormoz. 8 Thrips No. 11, 2009

Yazd province (Yazd area). Mohaghegh H & Kheyrandish Koshkoei (2002, Proceedings of the 15th Iranian Plant Protection Congress, Vol. I: 183 / 310, Eremiothrips shirabudinensis), Yazd area.

Eremiothrips similis Bhatti 1988. Iraq, Iran (new finding). Eremiothrips similis Bhatti 1988, Zoology, 1 (2): 120–123. . Iraq. Original description. Khuzestan province. New finding, see p. 10–11 below. Recorded from 11 counties (shahrestans): Abadan, Ahwaz, , , , , , Omidieh, Ramhormoz, Shush, .

Eremiothrips taghizadehi (zur Strassen 1975). Iran, Spain. Ascirtothrips taghizadehi zur Strassen 1975, Senckenbergiana Biologica, 56 (4–6): 274–276, 281. . Iran. (in German). Original description, and in key to species. Eremiothrips taghizadehi (zur Strassen 1975). — Bhatti 1988, Zoology, 1 (2): 124. Transferred to Eremiothrips. Eremiothrips taghizadehi (zur Strassen 1975). — zur Strassen 2003, Die Tierwelt Deutschlands, Part 74: 126, 2 figs. (in German). In key to species of Eremiothrips. Eremiothrips taghizadehi (zur Strassen 1975). — Bhatti, Telmadarraiy, Kumar, & Tyagi 2003, Thrips, No. 2: 53 (in catalogue), 105 (in key to Iranian species). Eremiothrips taghizadehi (zur Strassen 1975). — Bhatti & zur Strassen 2009, Thrips, No. 7: 18, 39. Species of Thysanoptera in Iran (checklist, scientific names). Golestan province (Gorgan and Gonbad regions; Kalaleh). Alavi (2000, Proceedings of the 14th Iranian Plant Protection Congress, Vol. I: 227, Eremiothrips taghizadehi), Gorgan and Gonbad regions. Alavi, zur Strassen, & Bagherani (2007, Journal of Entomological Society of Iran, 27 (1): 9, Eremiothrips taghizadehi), Gonbad (Dashli-Borun), Kalaleh (Gok-Darreh). Khuzestan province (Ahwaz region). Cheraghian & Hojat (1998, Proceedings of the 13th Iranian Plant Protection Congress, Vol. I: 211, Ascirtothrips taghizadehi), Ahwaz region. Mossadegh & Kocheili (2003, Semi-Descriptive Checklist of Identified Species of Arthropods and other Pests from Khuzestan, p. 115, Ascirtothrips taghizadehi), Ahwaz. Tehran province (Tehran; Pakdasht). zur Strassen (1975, Senckenbergiana Biologica, 56 (4–6): 274–276, Ascirtothrips taghizadehi), Tehran. Pirafkan, Kamali, Ostovan, & Manzari (2006, Proceedings of the 17th Iranian Plant Protection Congress, Vol. I: 77, Eremiothrips taghizadehi), Pakdasht region (Tehran province).

Eremiothrips tamaricis (zur Strassen 1975). Morocco, Iran. Ascirtothrips tamaricis zur Strassen 1975, Senckenbergiana Biologica, 56 (4–6): 276–278, 280. . Morocco. (in German). Original description, and in key to species. Ramezani, Bhatti, Mossadegh, Soleimannejadian: Discovery of Eremiothrips similis in Iran 9

Eremiothrips tamaricis (zur Strassen 1975). — Bhatti 1988, Zoology, 1 (2): 124. Transferred to Eremiothrips. Eremiothrips tamaricis (zur Strassen 1975). — zur Strassen 2003, Die Tierwelt Deutschlands, Part 74: 125, 1 fig. (in German). In key to species of Eremiothrips. Eremiothrips tamaricis (zur Strassen 1975). — Bhatti, Telmadarraiy, Kumar, & Tyagi 2003, Thrips, No. 2: 53 (in catalogue), 101 (in key to Iranian species), figs. Eremiothrips tamaricis (zur Strassen 1975). — Bhatti & zur Strassen 2009, Thrips, No. 7: 18, 39. Species of Thysanoptera in Iran (checklist, scientific names). Golestan province (Gorgan and Gonbad regions). Alavi (2000, Proceedings of the 14th Iranian Plant Protection Congress, Vol. I: 227, Eremiothrips tamaricis), Gorgan and Gonbad regions. Alavi, zur Strassen, & Bagherani (2007, Journal of Entomological Society of Iran, 27 (1): 10, Eremiothrips tamaricis), Gonbad (Oukhi-Tappeh). Khuzestan province. Bagheri S & Alavi (2006, Proceedings of the 17th Iranian Plant Protection Congress, Vol. I: 78, Eremiothrips tamaricis), locality not stated.

Eremiothrips varius (Bhatti 1967). India, Iran. Ascirtothrips varius Bhatti 1967, Thysanoptera Nova Indica, p. 13–14. . India (Delhi). Original description. Ascirtothrips varius Bhatti 1967. — zur Strassen 1975, Senckenbergiana Biologica, 56 (4–6): 278– 279, 280. (in German). Diagnostic characters, and in key to species. Eremiothrips varius (Bhatti 1967). — Bhatti 1988, Zoology, 1 (2): 124. Transferred to Eremiothrips. Eremiothrips varius (Bhatti 1967). — Bhatti, Telmadarraiy, Kumar, & Tyagi 2003, Thrips, No. 2: 54 (in catalogue), 106 (in key to Iranian species), figs. Eremiothrips varius (Bhatti 1967). — Bhatti & zur Strassen 2009, Thrips, No. 7: 18, 39. Species of Thysanoptera in Iran (checklist, scientific names). Golestan province (Gorgan and Gonbad regions). Alavi (2000, Proceedings of the 14th Iranian Plant Protection Congress, Vol. I: 227, Eremiothrips varius), Gorgan and Gonbad regions. Alavi, zur Strassen, & Bagherani (2007, Journal of Entomological Society of Iran, 27 (1): 10, Eremiothrips varius), Gonbad (Oukhi-Tappeh). Khuzestan province (Baghmalek). Bagheri S, Alavi, & Kajbaf-vala (2002, Proceedings of the 2nd National Plant Protection Conference on Forests and Rangelands, p. 15, Eremiothrips varius), locality not stated. Bagheri S, Alavi, & Behnamfar (2005, Abstracts Book of the 2nd Symposium of Medicinal Plants, p. 52 / 65, Eremiothrips varius), locality not stated. Bagheri S, Alavi, & Yousef Naanaie (2005, Iranian Journal of Forest and Range Protection Research, 2 (2): 179, 187 / 221, Eremiothrips varius), Mal-agha (Baghmalek). 10 Thrips No. 11, 2009

Eremiothrips zurstrasseni Bhatti, Bagheri S, & Ramezani 2009. Iran. Eremiothrips zurstrasseni Bhatti, Bagheri S, & Ramezani 2009, Thrips No. 10: 1–23, 39 figs. . Iran. Original description. Khuzestan province. Bhatti, Bagheri S, & Ramezani (2009, Thrips No. 10: 1–23, Eremiothrips zurstrasseni). Dezful and Behbahan. Eremiothrips also includes another 6 species known from outside Iran: E. acutus (Bhatti 1972) (India), E. brunneus (zur Strassen 1975) (Morocco, Canary Islands), E. dorcas (zur Strassen 1975) (Morocco, Algeria), E. hudeci (Pelikán 2002) (Kazakhstan), E. imitator Priesner 1949 (Egypt), E. manolachei (Knechtel 1955) (Romania, southern France, Spain).

Eremiothrips similis in Iran

Eremiothrips similis Bhatti 1988, Zoology, 1 (2): 120–123. Iraq. Type locality Abu-Chraib (Baghdad). Original description. Eremiothrips similis. — Bhatti 2009, Thrips, No. 9: 1–36, 53 figs. Taxonomic revision, based on the type material.

Eremiothrips similis was described in 1988 from 1 1 , collected on cotton in Abu-Chraib, 1964 and 1 collected on red melon in Baghdad. The species has never been reported subsequently. The present finding is the second report of the species, and the first from Iran. Taxonomic revision of the species (Bhatti 2009) has enabled the identification of specimens collected by one of us (Leila Ramezani) from cereal crops (Poaceae) in Khuzestan province. The species is characterized by the presence of greatly reduced colourless specialized processes on the posterior margin of abdominal tergum IX in the male. A glandular area, although it is difficult to see, is present on each of the abdominal sterna VI and VII of male. This area is in the form of minute dots and is not circumscribed by a clear line. The body is pale, unshaded in both sexes. Eremiothrips similis has been found at various localities in Khuzestan province of Iran, on barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), corn (Zea mays L.), rice (Oryza sativa L.), and wheat (Triticum aesti- vum L.) (Poaceae). On barley (Hordeum vulgare L.): Abadan, Ahwaz, Izeh, Khorramshahr, Omidieh. On corn (Zea mays L.): Behbahan, Dezful, Haft Tapeh, Shavur (= Shahur), Shush, Shushtar. On rice (Oryza sativa L.): Ramhormoz, Shavur, Shush, Shushtar. On wheat (Triticum aestivum L.): Andimeshk, Behbahan, Dezful, Hamidieh, Khorramshahr, Omidieh, . E. similis has been collected at 15 localities in 12 counties (shahrestans) in Khuzestan province (Abadan, Ahwaz, Andimeshk, Behbahan, Dezful, Haft Tapeh, Hamidieh, Izeh, Khorramshahr, Omidieh, Ramhormoz, Shahur, Shush, Shushtar, Veys). Ramezani, Bhatti, Mossadegh, Soleimannejadian: Discovery of Eremiothrips similis in Iran 11

The data on the finding of Eremiothrips similis in Khuzestan province is given below. It has been collected at 15 localities (Abadan, Ahwaz, Andimeshk, Behbahan, Dezful, Haft Tapeh, Hamidieh, Izeh, Khorramshahr, Omidieh, Ramhormoz, Shavur, Shush, Shushtar, Veys) in 11 shahrestans (counties).

The samples collected comprise a total of 75 131 . Abadan county Abadan, on barley, 12 8 (April 2008) Ahwaz county Ahwaz, on barley, 1 1 (May 2008) Hamidieh, on wheat, 1 2 (April 2008) Veys, on wheat, 6 23 (April 2008) Andimeshk county: Andimeshk, on wheat, 7 4 (April 2008) Behbahan county: Behbahan, on corn, 6 7 (November 2008) Behbahan, on wheat, 4 5 (April 2008) Dezful county: Dezful, on corn, 4 10 (2 6 , May 2008; 2 4 , October 2008) Dezful, on wheat, 4 8 (April 2009) Haft Tapeh, on corn, 2 4 (November 2008) Izeh county: Izeh, on barley, 1 1 (May 2008) : Khorramshahr, on barley, 1 6 (April 2008) Khorramshahr, on wheat, 1 4 (April 2008) Omidieh county: Omidieh, on barley, 2 10 (April 2008) Omidieh, on wheat, 3 4 (April 2008) Ramhormoz county: Ramhormoz, on rice, 4 3 (October 2008) : Shavur, on corn, 3 10 (September 2007) Shavur, on rice, 4 8 (October 2007) Shush, on corn, 2 (October 2008) Shush, on rice, 2 (October 2008) 12 Thrips No. 11, 2009

Shushtar county: Shushtar, on corn, 2 4 (September 2008) Shushtar, on rice, 3 9 (October 2008)

Identification of Eremiothrips similis

E. similis can be recognized by a set of characters given below. Both sexes macropterous. Body pale whitish, without shadings. Head with 2 pairs of anteocellar setae. Each eye ventrally with 6 strongly pigmented facets (seen in cleared specimens). Anteocellar and interocellar setae are stouter in female, but slender in the male. Postocular setae not uniserial, po1 arising at a level back of po2. Postocular setae po1 and po4 are somewhat stouter in female, slender in the male. Antennae 9-segmented, segment VI equal to the length of VII–IX together. Antennal segment II ventrally with two long setae. Major sense cone on antennal segment IV larger the sense cone on III. Inner sense cone on antennal segment V 3 to 4 times as long as the short outer sense cone. Mesoacrotergite with 4 pairs of microsetae. Inner metanotal seta stout, pencil-like abruptly pointed at apex in female, and is shorter than the outer seta which is slender and sharply acuminate, tapering gradually to tip. In male the inner metanotal seta is similar in shape to the outer seta and is longer than the latter. Median pair of campaniform sensilla on abdominal tergum VIII situated back of the middle between the socket of S1 seta and the posterior margin of tergum. Proximal seta on media at r-m cross vein about one-third as long as the width of wing at that place. Abdominal tergum X with longitudinal split in both sexes. Abdominal sternum I with 2 microsetae. Male: Abdominal tergum IX at its posterior margin on each side with a pair of short, strongly sclerotized, unshaded, apically pointed, triangular, special processes, these are serrated along their sides. Glandular area present on abdominal sterna VI and VII only, comprising irregularly arranged discrete dots which are apparently not circumscribed by a delineating line. Hypomere and parameres simple. Females of similis cannot be separated from varius and some other species, and are identified primarily by being associated with males. Further studies are necessary to find out characters which could be used to distinguish similis from related species. The male can be readily identified by the structure of the special appendages on abdominal tergum IX and by the gland areas present on abdominal sterna VI and VII only. Ramezani, Bhatti, Mossadegh, Soleimannejadian: Discovery of Eremiothrips similis in Iran 13

1 2

Figs. 1–2. Eremiothrips similis, female. 1, Head and pronotum. 2, Antenna, dorsal view. 14 Thrips No. 11, 2009

3

4

Figs. 3–4. Eremiothrips similis. Meso- and metanotum. 3, female. 4, male. Ramezani, Bhatti, Mossadegh, Soleimannejadian: Discovery of Eremiothrips similis in Iran 15

5

6

Fig. 5–6. Eremiothrips similis, male. 5, Abdominal sterna V to VIII. 6, Abdominal segments IX and X, dorsal view. 16 Thrips No. 11, 2009

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