Thrips
Scientific Name: Though it's difficult to determine the exact species from the image (which appears to be a shed exoskeleton or dead specimen), common pest species include Frankliniella occidentalis (Western flower thrips) or Thrips tabaci (Onion thrips).
Order & Family: Order: Thysanoptera (Thrips), Family: Varies widely (e.g., Thripidae, Phlaeothripidae)
Size: Typically 0.5 to 2 mm in length, very slender.
Natural Habitat
Found on various plants, including agricultural crops, garden plants, and greenhouse plants. They can also be found indoors on houseplants or near windows.
Diet & Feeding
Mainly plant sap, pollen, and fungal spores. Some species are predatory on other small arthropods.
Behavior Patterns
Thrips typically feed on plant tissues by piercing and sucking out the cell contents. Many species reproduce quickly, sometimes parthenogenetically (without fertilization). They are known for moving between plants, especially by wind, and can be quite active, though the one in the image appears to be a dead, shed skin.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Many species are significant agricultural pests, causing damage to crops by feeding (leading to silvering, distortion, or stunted growth) and by transmitting plant viruses. Benefits: Some species are beneficial predators of other small pests like mites and other thrips. They also contribute to pollination in some plants.
Identified on: 8/27/2025