Thrips (also known as Thunderbugs or Thunderflies)

Found primarily on plants, flowers, and agricultural crops; they may enter homes or land on skin during hot, humid weather or harvest seasons.

Mostly herbivores feeding on plant sap and cellular fluids; some species are predatory on mites or other small insects.

Poor fliers that drift on wind currents; often swarm before thunderstorms; attracted to light-colored surfaces and bright colors; capable of curling their abdomen upward.

Risks: Can cause minor, prickly irritation to human skin ('exploratory biting') and are major agricultural pests. Benefits: Predatory species help control mite populations; some aid in pollination.