Thrips (likely flower thrips)
Order-level identification only; likely *Frankliniella* or *Thrips* species
- Order & Family
- Thysanoptera; commonly Thripidae
- Size
- About 0.5–2 mm long; this individual appears roughly 1 mm.
Natural Habitat
Found on flowers, leaves, grasses, and other vegetation; adults may land on people incidentally. The image is too low-resolution for reliable species identification.
Diet & Feeding
Most feed by rasping plant tissue and sucking the released fluids, especially from flowers and young leaves. Some species eat mites or other small arthropods.
Behavior Patterns
Tiny, slender insects that move quickly and may jump or fly weakly; fringed wings are typical in adults. They often shelter in flower crevices and reproduce rapidly in warm conditions.
Risks & Benefits
Usually harmless to humans, though accidental contact can cause minor irritation; they do not live or reproduce on skin. Some species pollinate plants, while plant-feeding species can damage crops and spread plant viruses.