Hi Andya,
Can't help you personally but I know that people who study social behaviour in insects are always complaining there aren't enough taxonomists around. Ant taxonomy appears to be a big thing right now, you might want to look at the people who have collaborated with Barry Bolton and see if any of them might take you on. Otherwise thrips taxonomy is a big open field.
Good luck,
mick
This message has been edited by mick, 05-08-2005 04:02 PM