Thrips

Scientific Name: Order Thysanoptera

Order & Family: Order Thysanoptera; various families (e.g., Thripidae)

Size: 0.5 to 2 mm in length

Thrips

Natural Habitat

Commonly found on plants, flowers, and occasionally indoors on surfaces near windows or household plants.

Diet & Feeding

Plant juices and sap, though some species are predatory or feed on fungi and pollen.

Behavior Patterns

Active jumpers and fliers that often move in swarms during warm weather. They use rasping-sucking mouthparts to pierce plant cells.

Risks & Benefits

Significant agricultural pests that can damage crops and spread plant viruses. They are generally harmless to humans but can cause minor skin irritation if they attempt to bite.

Identified on: 3/5/2026