More than 6100 thrips species are currently described, distributed in about 780 genera (ThripsWiki 2018). The order Thysanoptera is composed of two suborders: Terebrantia and Tubulifera. Some studies using morphological and molecular data confirm that these suborders are sister groups (Mound et al. 1980; Mound & Morris 2007; Buckman et al. 2013). The two groups are readily distinguished: females of Terebrantia have an external ovipositor with serrate margins and the last abdominal segment conical or slightly round, while Tubulifera have the last abdominal segment forming a tube and females lack an external ovipositor.

Traditionally nine families are recognized in the order, eight  of these being in Terebrantia (Aeolothripidae, Fauriellidae, Heterothripidae, Melanthripidae, Merothripidae, Stenurothripidae, Thripidae, Uzelothripidae), and only one in Tubulifera (Phlaeothripidae) (Mound et al. 1980; Mound & Marullo 1998; ThripsWiki 2018). According to Mound (1983), the families Thripidae and Phlaeothripidae, which are considered the most derived groups within the order, comprise about 90% of all described species of Thysanoptera. The families Fauriellidae, Melanthripidae and Stenurothripidae do not have species recorded in Brazil. Bhatti (1994, 1998, 2006) proposes an alternative classification, based in morphological characters, which divides thrips in two orders (Terebrantia and Tubulifera) and about 40 families, some of them with a single representative. However, this classification has not been accepted by the majority of specialists, mainly for not following Phylogenetic principles and not considering relationships between taxa.

The ThripsWiki page gives ready access to the scientific names and classification of all the species in the Order Thysanoptera.