Key to Vulgatothrips species

1. Antennae 7-segmented, segments III–IV pale; [postocular setae situated in transverse row, pair I absent; metanotal median setae arising well behind anterior margin, usually with campaniform sensilla].................................... dissimilis

-. Antennae 8-segmented, antennal segments almost uniformly dark brown (Fig. 35).................................. 2

2. Postocular setae situated in transverse row (Fig. 14); metanotal median setae arising close to margin, campaniform sensilla usually absent (Fig. 20)................................................................... shennongjiaensis

-. Postocular setae not situated in transverse row, pair I arising ahead of setal row (Fig. 6); metanotal median setae far behind anterior margin, campaniform sensilla present........................................................... smilax