The Genus Sophiothrips HOOD (Thysanoptera, Phlaeothripidae) from Japan

The Japanese species of the phlaeothripid genus Sophiothrips are studied. Three species aer recognized, two of them being new to science : Sophiothrips annulatus sp. nov. from the Ryukyu Islands and S. decorus sp. nov. from the Ogasawara Islands. They seem to be fungus-feeders, being found on dead leaves and branches, on grasses, on dead Palmae fronds or in leaf-litter. A key is provided to these three Japanese species.