DNA Barcoding is an important tool for disciplines such as taxonomy, phylogenetics and phylogeography, with Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD) being the largest database of partial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences. We provide the first extensive revision of the information available in this database for the insect order Thysanoptera, to assess: how many COI sequences are available; how representative these sequences are for the order; and the current potential of BOLD as a reference library for specimen identification and species delimitation. The COI database at BOLD currently represents only about 5% of the over 6400 valid thrips species, with a heavy bias towards a few species of economic importance. Clear Barcode gaps were observed for 24 out of 33 genera evaluated, but many outliers were also observed. We suggest that the COI sequences available in BOLD as a reference would not allow for accurate identifications in about 30% of Thysanoptera species in this database, which rises to 40% of taxa within Thripidae, the most sampled family within the order. Thus, we call for caution and a critical evaluation in using BOLD as a reference library for thrips Barcodes, and future efforts should focus on improving the data quality of this database.

During 2007, phytophagous thrips on soybean (Glycine max Merr.) were collected, and differentiated according to sex, genus and species. Scouting for thrips was carried out on leaves and flowers in two consecutive plantings in Adjuntas, Isabela and Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico. A total of nine genera were found, of which eight species were identified. These included Frankliniella cephalica, Frankliniella gossypiana, Frankliniella insularis, Frankliniella schultzei, Caliothrips phaseoli, Neohydatothrips inversus, Rhamphothrips sp., Scirtothrips dorsalis and Thrips palmi. The last species was the most common in the three locations. However, F. schultzei was the most abundant species in Juana Diaz.