Character-state evaluation when discriminating Thysanoptera taxa (Insecta)

Problems are discussed in evaluating character state variation in the insect order Thysanoptera, particularly in the family Phlaeothripidae, illustrated by two such problems in the genus Haplothrips Amyot Serville. The synonymy of Jironiella Retana-Salazar Soto-Rodriguez with Haplothrips is reconfirmed, and Haplothrips aliakbarii Mirab-balou Miri is recognised as a new synonym of H. globiceps Bagnall.