Thithidae

Thithidae is a family of thrips, a type of small insects in the order Thysanoptera. Thrips are generally small, slender insects ranging in size from 1-10 millimeters in length. They have a pear-shaped body, long narrow wings, and a narrow head. Members of the family Thithidae are found worldwide and feed on various plant materials, often causing damage to crops.

Some species within the family Thithidae are parasitic, preying on other insects such as thrips, scale insects, and mealybugs. They inject saliva into their hosts, which can cause damage to the host's tissues. Thithidae include multiple subfamilies, including the Thripinae, which includes many economically important species.

In general, thrips are known to feed on sap and help to break down plant material, which can be beneficial in some contexts. However, when they overpopulate, they can cause significant harm to plants, spreading plant viruses, and attacking a wide range of crops, including agricultural and ornamental plants. Countries such as Asia, the Mediterranean, and North and South America have reported economic losses and spread of plant pathogens by thrips.

Male thrips of the Thithidae family typically lack the sclerites in the genital area, which differentiates them from female thrips. Females also possess functional wings that are used for dispersal. Thithidae exhibit mating systems often involving courtship rituals which apparently serve in mitigating reduction in male fitness.