Habitats and Distributions of the Japanese Urothripine Species (Thysanoptera, Phlaeothripidae)

The distribution patterns of urothripine Thysanoptera species in certain habitats in Japan appear to suggest some form of competitive exclusion. Eight species of the phlaeothripine tribe Urothripini are here recorded from Japan, seven Stephanothrips and one Baenothrips. Of these, four are illustrated and described as new, and one is newly recorded from Japan. A key is provided to identify the eight species ; Stephanothrips boninensis sp. n., S. formosanus OKAJIMA, S. japonicus SAIKAWA, S. metaleucus sp. n., S. miscanthi KUDO, S. occidentalis HOOD & WILLIAMS, S. yaeyamensis sp. n. and Baenothrips ryukyuensis sp. n.