Common Thrips

Agricultural fields, gardens, and indoor houseplants; often found on leaves, flowers, or occasionally hitching a ride on clothing and fabrics.

Primarily feed on plant sap by piercing cells and sucking out the contents. Some species are predatory or feed on fungi.

They have fringed wings and are capable of weak flight but often disperse via wind. They undergo a metamorphosis that includes two larval stages and two or three pupa-like resting stages.

They are major agricultural pests and can transmit plant viruses (like Tospovirus). While they do not feed on humans, they are known to occasionally bite, which can cause minor, temporary skin irritation.