Research Projects

This proposal aims to employ revisionary studies on the family Thripidae from India using highly conserved morphological characters, molecular data, and phylogenetic tools. Current classification schemes of Thysanoptera primarily rely on morphological-characters, but revisionary studies have not been successful in resolving classification issues for the members of the family. surveys will be conducted in un-surveyed areas of India, morphologically studying taxa based on highly conserved morphological characters and comparing molecular data with morphological data. Phylogenetic methods will be employed to determine the usefulness of the data, clarify taxonomic ambiguities, classification issues, detection of cryptic species, and resolving species complexes. The proposed objectives have never been targeted and needed revisionary work has not been attempted for over 40 years, excluding describing new taxa. This study will provide illustrated identification keys for genera and species of family Thripidae, help resolve historical species complexes, and address classification issues that have never been attempted. The integrated approach (morphological & molecular data) will shorten classification disagreements and provide a supplementary tool for revisionary studies in un-surveyed areas of India. This will foster clear understanding of thrips biodiversity in practically un-surveyed areas.