Bug Identifier
Thrips (likely Thysanoptera)
Community identification

Thrips (likely Thysanoptera)

Order Thysanoptera

Order & Family
Order: Thysanoptera; Families include Thripidae and Phlaeothripidae
Size
0.5 to 5 mm (most are less than 2 mm)
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Found globally on various plants, flowers, crops, and sometimes indoors or on outdoor furniture.

Diet & Feeding

Most species feed on plant sap by piercing cells; some are predatory or fungal feeders.

Behavior Patterns

Thrips are known for being very active, flying or hopping when disturbed. They have fringed wings and go through a unique metamorphosis that includes non-feeding 'pupal' stages.

Risks & Benefits

They are major agricultural pests that can transmit plant viruses. To humans, they may bite occasionally causing minor, temporary skin irritation, but they do not transmit human diseases.