Key to world species of Desmidothrips

[* based on literature]

1. Fore wing ring apical vein shaded; antennal segments III–IV with linear sensorium long, reaching to base of segments [New Caledonia] i................................................................................... nauditus *

-. Fore wing apical ring vein pale (Fig. 22); antennal segments III–IV with linear sensorium not reaching base of segments... 2

2. Antennal segments II–IV largely yellow with extreme apices of III–IV shaded, hind tibiae pale at extreme base; pronotum densely sculptured with transverse lines (Fig. 74); mesonotum with lateral setae short but longer than posteromarginal setae (Fig. 77) [Japan].......................................................................... japonicas sp. n.

-. Antennal segments II–IV largely brown with basal half of III yellow, hind tibiae uniformly brown; pronotum not sculptured; mesonotum with lateral setae long but shorter than posteromarginal setae [New Zealand]...................... walkerae *