Arorathrips Bhatti

(Figs 23–24)

This New World genus currently includes eight species, but several other species described in Chirothrips should be transferred here (Mound & Marullo, 1996). These species are distinguished by the reduction of the metasternal furca, such that the furcal pits are widely separated not close together medially (Fig. 24). One of these species, A. mexicanus, is now widespread on grasses throughout the tropics and subtropics, and Mound & Palmer (1972) provided an illustrated account, under the generic name Chirothrips, of the two Arorathrips species known from Australia ( A. mexicanus and A. spiniceps). Larvae of species in these genera apparently always develop each within a single grass floret, and the few larvae that have been examined have such small legs that they seem to be effectively immobile.