Thrips

Natural Habitat

Widely distributed globally, found in almost all terrestrial habitats. They are common in gardens, agricultural fields, greenhouses, forests, and grasslands, inhabiting flowers, leaves, fruits, and under bark.

Diet & Feeding

Mostly phytophagous (plant-feeding), puncturing plant cells and sucking out the contents, causing silvering or stippling on leaves, and deformation of flowers and fruits. Some species are mycophagous (fungus-feeding) or predatory on other small arthropods and their eggs.

Behavior Patterns

Thrips are tiny, slender insects that are typically found aggregated in flowers, on leaves and stems, or under bark. They can be active in warm temperatures and are often seen moving quickly or taking short flights. Many species are parthenogenetic, meaning females can reproduce without fertilization, leading to rapid population growth. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis, with several nymphal stages before reaching adulthood. Some species can produce galls or deformities in plants, while others are predatory.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: As agricultural pests, thrips can cause significant crop damage by feeding on various plants, leading to reduced yield and quality. They can also transmit plant viruses, which can devastate crops. Bites on humans are rare but can cause minor irritation. Benefits: Predatory thrips species can be beneficial in controlling populations of other small pest insects and mites. Some species play a role in pollination, though this is less significant than bees or other larger insects.

Identified on: 6/26/2025