New synonymy among gall thrips of the Asian genus Mesothrips , with revision of species from China (Thysanoptera, Haplothripini).

Historical, nomenclatural, technical, and biological problems associated with the 42 species of Mesothrips are discussed. Type specimens have been re-examined of 14 of the 25 species that were described prior to 1930 and remain known only from imperfectly slide-mounted specimens. As a result, seven new synonyms are recognised. From China, six species of Mesothrips have been listed, but the records of M.alluaudi and M.manii are rejected, and three new species are described: M.jianfengi sp. nov. , M.longistylus sp. nov. , and M.vernicia sp. nov. These three species are divergent from other members of Mesothrips in lacking a prominent fore tarsal tooth and may indicate a possible generic relationship to the flower-living species in the Asian genus Dolichothrips . An illustrated key is provided to the seven Mesothrips species now known from China.