Thrips
Various species, depending on the exact morphology (e.g., Frankliniella occidentalis, Thrips tabaci)
- Order & Family
- Order: Thysanoptera, Major Families include: Thripidae, Phlaeothripidae
- Size
- Typically very small, 0.5 to 3 mm in length, with narrow, fringed wings.
Natural Habitat
Thrips are found in a wide variety of habitats globally. Plant-feeding species infest agricultural crops, ornamental plants, greenhouses, and wild vegetation. Predatory species are found wherever their prey occurs. Fungus-feeding species inhabit decaying plant material or fungi.
Diet & Feeding
Depending on the species, thrips can be phytophagous (feeding on plants by sucking sap), mycophagous (feeding on fungi), or predatory (feeding on other small arthropods). Plant-feeding thrips typically feed on leaves, flowers, and fruits, causing silvering, distortion, or stunted growth.
Behavior Patterns
Thrips often hold their wings flat over their back. They are not strong fliers and are often dispersed by wind. They can reproduce rapidly under favorable conditions, with some species capable of parthenogenesis (reproduction without fertilization).
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Many species of thrips are significant agricultural pests, causing damage to crops by direct feeding and by transmitting plant viruses (e.g., Tomato spotted wilt virus). Their feeding can reduce crop yield and quality. Benefits: Some species are beneficial as pollinators or as biological control agents, preying on other pest mites and insects.