SUCKING INSECTS

INSECTS AND MITES THAT SUCK THE JUICES FROM FOLIAGE, FRUITS, STEMS AND ROOTS, CAUSING DISCOLORATION, STUNTING DEFORMED FRUIT AND OTHER DAMAGE

WESTERN FLOWER THRIPS, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande)
and ONION THRIPS, Thrips tabaci Lindeman
Description PictureDamage
  • slender, spindle-shaped insects
  • adults are unusually under 1/16 inch long
  • usually very active
  • four slender wings are fringed with hairs
  • larvae resemble adults without wings

    • Photo credit: W. L. Sterling, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University
  • feed on plant tissue
  • rasp leaf surfaces and suck juices
  • heavily damaged plants appear silvery or gray
  • plants may be distorted especially seedlings



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    Last modified: March 31, 1998