Thrips

Natural Habitat

Found globally on a wide variety of plants, especially within flowers, on leaves, and under bark

Diet & Feeding

Feed by puncturing plant cells and sucking out the contents; some species are predatory or eat fungi

Behavior Patterns

Exhibit a fringe-winged structure; many species are eusocial or show communal behavior; life cycle involves egg, two larval stages, prepupa, pupa, and adult

Risks & Benefits

Major agricultural pests that cause plant scarring and transmit silvering or necrotic viruses; some species are beneficial as pollinators or predators of mites

Identified on: 2/24/2026