A to Z of Pests

Thrips

Order Thysanoptera

Appearance

• Adults 1 to 2mm, but some tropical species may be 10mm.
• Adults vary in colour from yellow-brown to black. They are characterised by their slender bodies and frilly wings.

Lifecycle

• Eggs are laid singly by the female who inserts them into slits cut in a flower or leaf.
• The emerging nymph resembles the adult but is smaller and paler in colour.
• The lifecycle is complete within two to five weeks dependent on species and environmental conditions.

Habits

• Thrips feed inside developing flower buds and in newly expanding leaves of plants. Damage is not seen until the deformed flowers / leaves expand