The name Thrips comes from the Greek word θρίψ meaning woodworm.[4]
Diversity
Thrips is the largest genus of thrips, with over 280 species,[5] most of which are found in Europe, Africa and the Mediterranean Basin. Other species occur on each of the continents, including one species described from Antarctica.[3]Thrips includes the species of thrips most frequently intercepted at ports of entry into the United States, T. tabaci.[3]
David A. Nickle (2006). "A review of the species of Thrips Linnaeus, 1758 (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) from Africa, Europe, and the Mediterranean region". Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington. 108 (2): 443–466.