Open Access

Harold A. Denmark

• Mound and Marullo's aim in producing this book initially was to be an introduction to the Thysanoptera of Costa Rica. The extensive distribution of these small insects caused the authors to extend the geographical area covered and review the Neotropical thrips fauna at family and genus level as there are no available comprehensive publications. The family classification for the suborder Terebrantia is that adapted by Mound, Heming and Palmer (1980). The suborder Tubulifera is exceptionally difficult, and all authors are not in agreement in their respective classifications. Gauld and Mound (1982), Crespi (1993), and Mound and Cresi (1994) are followed here. All areas reported on are not equally known, and faunal comparisons are not given. Some of the more serious pests are listed, and flight, dispersal, and seasonal wind systems are discussed. Sex ratios and polymorphism, life cycles, body structures, phylogeny, family classification, habitat association, and collecting, as well as microscope slide preparation, are included in the introduction.