Thrips

Natural Habitat

Commonly found on plants, flowers, and in agricultural fields; often drift on wind currents to human skin.

Diet & Feeding

Most species feed on plant sap by puncturing leaves or flowers; some are predatory or eat fungal spores.

Behavior Patterns

Thrips are known for their fringed wings and a lifecycle that includes egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. They often aggregate in large numbers on host plants.

Risks & Benefits

Primarily agricultural pests that damage crops; they can bite humans, causing minor skin irritation and itching, though they do not transmit diseases to people.

Identified on: 6/2/2026