In this work, based on morphological and molecular characterization Thrips origani Priesner (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is recorded for the first time from the Americas, causing damage to cultivated Origanum vulgare L. in La Consulta, Mendoza, Argentina. An illustrated key is provided to aid morphological identification of the five species of the genus Thrips L. now known to be present in Argentina and partial sequences of the cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene from specimens of three species of Thrips from Argentina, including T. origani, have been added to an international data bank.