Thrips

Integrated Pest Management for Home Gardeners and Landscape Professionals

Thrips, order Thysanoptera, are tiny, orange larvae of the predatory thrips,
slender insects with fringed wings. Franklinothrips orizabensis and F. vespi-
They feed by puncturing the epidermal formis.
(outer) layer of host tissue and sucking
out the cell contents, which results in Feeding results in various tissue re-
stippling, discolored flecking, or silver- sponses, including scar formation and
ing of the leaf surface (Figures 1 and 2). distorted growth. Behavior, body ap-
Thrips feeding is usually accompanied pearance, and host plants help to dis-
by black varnishlike flecks of frass tinguish among thrips species (Table 1
(excrement) (Figure 2). Pest species are and Figure 11). For example, three dark Figure 1. Silvering caused by green-
plant feeders that discolor and scar leaf, house thrips feeding. (J.K. Clark)
spots on each forewing distinguish
flower, and fruit surfaces, and distort the adult predaceous sixspotted thrips
plant parts or vector plant pathogens. from pest thrips. Adults of western
Many species of thrips feed on fungal flower thrips and onion thrips are
spores and pollen and are often in- noticeably larger than avocado and
nocuous. However, pollen feeding on citrus thrips adults, so mature body
plants such as orchids and African size helps to distinguish them when
violets can leave unsightly pollen de-
they occur together on the same host
posits and may reduce flower longevity.
plant. Nonprofessionals may be able
Certain thrips are beneficial predators
to identify thrips using the resources
that feed on other insects and mites. Figure 2. Black feces and white feeding
listed in References. However, thrips
scars from western flower thrips.
can be positively identified to species
Thrips can readily move long distances (J.K. Clark)
only by an expert. Fortunately, most
floating with the wind or transported
thrips are susceptible to some of the
on infested plants, and exotic spe-
cies are periodically introduced. For same controls, such as exclusion and
example, myoporum thrips causes certain insecticides.
severe galling of Myoporum laetum and
M. pacificum (Figure 3). Originally from It is more important to distinguish
New Zealand, this thrips was intro- among thrips species in situations
duced into Southern California and where integrated pest management
spread to most areas of the state where methods are used. For example, each
its hosts are grown. See Pest Note: Myo- species of natural enemy preys on and
Figure 3. Myoporum shoots galled by
porum Thrips for more information. helps to control only certain species myoporum thrips. (D. Rosen)
of thrips or other pests. Certain thrips
IDENTIFICATION occur on many different plants but
damage only a few of the plant species
Most adult thrips are elongate, slender,
on which they are found. Identifying
minute (less than 1/20 inch long), and
have long fringes on the margins of the species of thrips may reveal that it
both pairs of their long, narrow wings is harmless in certain situations and no
(Figures 4 and 5). Immatures (called control action is needed. For example,
larvae or nymphs) are oblong or slen- avocado thrips and greenhouse thrips
der and elongate and lack wings. Most superficially scar avocado fruit skin.
thrips range in color from translucent Citrus thrips and western flower thrips
are also found in avocado but do not Figure 4. An adult, egg, and two larvae
white or yellowish to dark brown or of Cuban laurel thrips. (J.K. Clark)
black. A few species are brightly col- damage avocados. Citrus thrips occur
ored, such as the distinctive reddish- on many species of plants but damage
only blueberries and citrus.

PEST NOTES Publication 7429

Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program May 2014

May 2014 Thrips

LIFE CYCLE Myoporum thrips can create tightly

Thrips hatch from an egg and develop bunched and twisted terminal growth
through two actively feeding larval that resembles a gall, within which
stages and two nonfeeding stages, the large numbers of thrips can survive
prepupa and pupa, before becoming and reproduce (Figure 3).
an adult (Figure 5). Late-instar larvae
change greatly in appearance and Western flower thrips is primarily a
behavior and are called prepupae and pest of herbaceous plants; but high
pupae, even though thrips do not have populations can damage flowers on
a true pupal stage. woody plants, such as roses. Rose pet-
als may develop dark streaks and spots
Females of most plant-feeding spe- from feeding injury that occurred
cies lay their elongate, cylindrical to before the buds opened, or the flower
kidney-shaped eggs on or into leaves, buds may deform and fail to open.
buds, or other locations where larvae
Western flower thrips also vectors
feed. The pale prepupae and pupae
Impatiens necrotic spot virus and Tomato
of most species drop to the soil or leaf
spotted wilt virus, which can severely
litter or lodge within plant crevices or
damage or kill certain vegetable crops Figure 5. Life cycle and stages of thrips.
galls. Greenhouse thrips pupate openly
on lower leaf surfaces; while pupae and herbaceous ornamentals.
(and eggs) of some gall-making species, Monitoring
such as Cuban laurel thrips and myo- Thrips cause brown to silvery, scabby
If thrips are a suspected cause of plant
porum thrips, occur on leaf surfaces scarring on the avocado and citrus
damage, thrips adults and larvae can
but are enclosed within distorted plant fruit surface but do not harm the
be monitored by branch beating or
tissue. Thrips have several generations internal quality or flavor of the fruit.
gently shaking foliage or flowers onto
(up to about eight) a year. When the Where thrips lay eggs on grapes, fruit
weather is warm, the life cycle from a light-colored sheet of paper, beat-
may develop dark scars surrounded
egg to adult may be completed in as ing tray, or small cloth (Figure 6). For
by lighter “halos.” Thrips feeding on
short a time as 2 weeks. thrips that feed in buds or unexpanded
apples, nectarines, and raspberries can
deform or scar developing fruit. Citrus shoot tips, clip off several plant parts
DAMAGE thrips feeding severely distorts blue- suspected of harboring thrips, place
Thrips feeding on plants can dam- berry shoot tips and foliage, reducing them in a jar with 70% alcohol (etha-
age fruit, leaves, and shoots and very fruit yield. nol), and shake vigorously to dislodge
noticeably affect plants’ cosmetic ap- the thrips. Strain the solution through
pearance. However, thrips rarely kill In many thrips species, by the time filter paper so thrips can more read-
or threaten the survival of trees and their damage is observed, such as after ily be seen. Watch the online video
shrubs. Herbaceous ornamentals, and demonstration of this technique at
buds open, the thrips may no longer be
certain vegetable crops, are more sus- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=
present. Some abiotic disorders, patho-
ceptible to serious injury from thrips
gens, and certain other invertebrates j0v6RfRKjHM&feature=youtu.be.
feeding and thrips-vectored viruses,
especially when plants are young. can cause damage resembling that of
thrips. For example, various true bugs Adult thrips can also be monitored by
Thrips feeding can stunt plant growth and mites also stipple foliage; and some hanging bright yellow sticky traps in or
and cause damaged leaves to become true bugs produce dark fecal specks. near host plants (Figure 7).
papery and distorted, develop tiny Before taking control action, look care-
pale spots (stippling), and drop prema- fully for the insects themselves to be
turely. Infested terminals may discolor certain that pest thrips are present and
and become rolled. Petals may exhibit the cause of the damage.
“color break,” which is pale or dark dis-
coloring of petal tissue that was killed MANAGEMENT
by thrips feeding before buds opened.
On some plants thrips can cause severe Thrips are difficult to control. If man-
stunting to the early season flush of agement is necessary, use an integrated
terminal growth. Cuban laurel thrips program that combines the use of good
create tightly rolled, podlike leaf ter- cultural practices, natural enemies, and
Figure 6. Shaking foliage over paper to
minals on Ficus and form galled foli- the most selective or least-toxic insecti- dislodge and detect thrips.
age from midsummer through fall. cides that are effective in that situation. (D. Rosen)

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Be aware that the presence of thrips natural enemies, in most situations, is

does not mean that damage will result unlikely to provide satisfactory thrips
from their feeding. Large numbers control.
of thrips in traps, or adults in flowers
feeding on pollen, do not necessarily Cultural Control
indicate that control action is needed. Thrips species that feed on many dif-
Plants suspected of being infected by ferent plant species often move into
thrips-vectored viruses can be reliably gardens and landscapes when plants
diagnosed only by sending properly in weedy areas or grasslands begin
collected samples from symptomatic to dry in spring or summer. Avoid
plants to a laboratory that tests for planting susceptible plants next to Figure 7. Covering a yellow sticky trap
plant pathogens. these areas, and control nearby weeds with clear plastic so thrips it captures
that are alternate hosts of pest thrips. can be examined later. (J.K. Clark)
Biological Control Grow plants that are well-adapted to
Predatory thrips (Table 2), green lace- conditions at that site. For example,
wings, minute pirate bugs, mites, and plants adapted to grow in full sun can
certain parasitic wasps help to control be stressed when planted in shady
plant-feeding thrips. To conserve and conditions and may be more suscep-
encourage naturally occurring popula- tible to thrips damage. Provide ap-
tions of these beneficials, avoid creating propriate cultural care to keep plants
dust and consider periodically rinsing vigorous and increase their tolerance
dust off of small plants, avoid persis- to thrips damage. Keep plants well
tent pesticides, and grow a diversity of irrigated, and avoid excessive appli- Figure 8. Euseius predatory mite eating
a citrus thrips larva. (J.K. Clark)
plant species. cations of nitrogen fertilizer, which
may promote higher populations of
Where thrips are a problem, learn thrips. Old, spent flowers can harbor
whether that pest has specific natural thrips, so their removal and disposal
enemies important in its control. For is sometimes recommended. However,
example, a minute pirate bug, Macro- the general benefit of this practice in
tracheliella nigra, and green lacewing landscapes is unknown; and old blos-
larvae are important predators of soms also commonly shelter beneficial
Cuban laurel thrips. Euseius species predators of thrips.
mites are important predators of citrus
Figure 9. Adult parasitic wasp (right),
thrips (Figure 8). With greenhouse Investigate the availability of resistant black parasite pupae, and yellow green-
thrips in Southern California up to 50% cultivars. For example, western flower house thrips larvae. (J.K. Clark)
of its eggs are killed by a tiny wasp, thrips more often damages fragrant,
Megaphragma mymaripenne. After feed- light-colored, or white roses. Rose Prune during specific times of the year
ing inside during its larval stage then cultivars, with sepals that remain to help control certain thrips. Prune
pupating, the emerging adult parasite tightly wrapped around the bud until off galled, rolled terminals of Indian
leaves a relatively large round hole in just before blooms open, have fewer laurel fig during winter to greatly re-
the tiny thrips egg. Conversely, when thrips problems. Where Cuban laurel duce thrips damage the next summer.
a greenhouse thrips emerges from an thrips is a problem on Indian laurel fig Relatively few Cuban laurel thrips
unparasitized egg, part of the egg shell you can plant Ficus microcarpa, ``Green can survive the winter outside of the
is often visible at the side of the egg Gem,” which is mostly resistant to this protection provided by the leaves they
blister. Thripobius semiluteus parasitizes pest. gall. Instead of pruning avocado during
greenhouse thrips larvae. Thrips para- February through April, January prun-
sitized by this wasp’s larvae become Pruning. Prune and destroy injured ing may reduce thrips scarring of fruit.
swollen around the head and turn and infested terminals when manag-
January pruning can induce additional
black, in contrast to the pale color of ing a few small specimen plants in
avocado growth flush during May fruit
unparasitized greenhouse thrips larvae the landscape. Avoid shearing plants,
(Figure 9). Unlike healthy black mature set and reduce thrips scarring of fruit.
which is the clipping of dense foliage
thrips, the black parasitized larvae are to maintain an even surface on formal When succulent foliage is abundant in
smaller and do not move. hedges or creating specific shapes spring thrips tend to remain and feed
(topiary). Shearing stimulates thrips- on leaves and not move to fruit. Prun-
There is little research-based informa- susceptible new growth. Prune by cut- ing the interior of citrus trees can in-
tion on the effectiveness of releasing ting plants just above branch crotches crease predaceous mite populations in
thrips natural enemies in gardens and nodes instead of shearing off the exterior canopy, thereby reducing
and landscapes. Releasing purchased terminals. fruit scarring by citrus thrips.

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Row Covers. Row covers, hot caps, and Silver or gray is the most effective
other types of cages with a fine mesh color for synthetic reflective mulch
can exclude thrips and other insects or mesh, but white also works. Some
from vegetables and other young her- organic mulches (e.g., straw) and living
baceous plants (Figure 10). Apply row mulches (e.g., interplanting the crop
covers before crops emerge or to pest- with buckwheat, Fagopyrum esculentum)
free plants during planting. Plants are may also repel certain pests, but this is
normally covered or caged only while not as well documented. Commercially
they are young and most susceptible to available synthetics include aluminum-
damage. Once plants become larger or metalized polyethylene and silver-
temperatures get warmer, remove cov- embossed polyethylene plastic films. If Figure 10. Wires or plastic hoops hold
ers to provide enough growing space handled carefully, these may be used up screening that excludes insects from
and to prevent overheating. Drip or for more than one season. Aluminum small plants.
furrow irrigation is generally necessary foil is also effective and may be suitable
when using row covers. for a small garden; but it is expensive damage is noticed on ripening fruit
and difficult to reuse because it is deli- or distorted terminals, the thrips that
Any type of covering that excludes cate to handle. caused the damage are often gone. No
insects but allows light and air penetra- pesticide application will restore the
tion can be used. With sturdy crops Synthetic mulch application methods appearance of injured tissue; plants
that do not grow too tall, floating row include: will remain damaged until leaves drop,
covers (vented polyethylene, spun- • Transplant seedlings through injury is pruned off, or new unblem-
bonded polyester, point-bonded poly- holes in the mulch. ished fruit is produced. Where plant
propylene) can be placed on top of beds • Apply the mulch before plants viruses are a problem, insecticides
with no frames or hoops. The crop itself emerge from the soil and leave a typically do not kill thrips fast enough
lifts the fabric as it grows. For plants narrow, mulch-free strip along the to prevent the transfer of virus from
that grow upright or have sensitive tips planting row. thrips to plants. Using row covers or
that might be damaged when pushing • Lay lightweight material that al- other methods to prevent thrips in-
against covers, use hoops, plastic tun- lows light and air penetration over festation is the most effective way to
nels, or wire strung between posts to the top of a crop that is sturdy prevent infection by thrips-vectored
hold up covers. Wood, wire, or plastic enough to lift the material as it viruses.
frames covered with muslin, nylon, or grows.
other fine mesh can be used for several Thrips can be difficult to control effec-
years. In addition to temporarily repelling tively with insecticides, partly because
certain flying insects, mulch may
of their mobility, feeding behavior, and
Reflective Mulch. Mulch or mesh that improve growth of certain crops by
protected egg and pupal stages. Im-
reflects light interferes with certain increasing light levels, keeping soil
proper timing of application, failure
flying insects’ ability to locate plants. warmer overnight, reducing weed
to treat the proper plant parts, and
If the plants are initially pest-free, and growth, and conserving soil moisture.
Mulch can also have negative effects. It inadequate spray coverage when using
relatively small in comparison with the
can increase crop susceptibility to root contact materials are common mistakes
surface area that is covered with reflec-
diseases, prevent the use of overhead that can prevent potentially effective
tive material, reflective mulch can delay
or reduce the extent to which young watering, and make it more difficult insecticides from actually providing
plants become infested by winged to know whether you are maintain- control. Before using a pesticide, learn
aphids and adult leafhoppers, thrips, ing proper soil moisture in the rooting more about the biology of your pest
and whiteflies. In flower and vegetable zone of a plant. Most recyclers will species and the characteristics of avail-
crops that are especially sensitive to not accept plastics with soil on them; able products by reading the label and
insect-vectored viruses, the cost and therefore, plastic mulches typically are consulting the Active Ingredients Data-
effort of using reflective mulch may disposed of in landfills. Investigate base in the online version of this Pest
be justified; because the mulch can which material and methods are likely Note at www.ipm.ucanr.edu. Often you
be significantly more effective than to work best in your situation. will learn chemical control cannot be
insecticides in preventing or delaying effective until the next season, when
infection of small plants. As plants Chemical Control new plant growth develops. Certain
grow larger, reflective mulch becomes Although thrips damage is unsightly, products are available only by hiring a
increasingly less effective and other it does not usually warrant the use professional applicator. If insecticides
management methods may be needed. of insecticides in gardens and land- are used, combining their use with ap-
Reflective mulch ceases to repel insects scapes. Feeding injury typically does propriate cultural practices and other
by the time the plant canopy covers not become apparent until after tissue methods usually improves the pest
more than about half of the soil surface. grows and expands. Thus, by the time control.

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Insecticides Most Compatible with (e.g., roots) and moved (translocated) to Insecticides to Avoid. The systemic
IPM. Contact insecticides that do not other plant parts. Trunk spray or injec- organophosphate acephate (Lilly Miller
leave persistent residues can be effec- tion of an effective, systemic, neonic- Ready-to-Use Systemic, Orthene) is
tive for greenhouse thrips and other otinoid insecticide can provide rela- available for ornamental, nonfood
species that feed openly on plants. tively rapid control. With soil drench plants. Avoid using it. Acephate can
These products have low toxicity to or injection, there is a longer time delay be highly toxic to natural enemies
people, pets, and pollinators and rela- between neonicotinoid application and and pollinators and can cause spider
tively little adverse impact on biological insecticide action. Neonicotinoids vary mites to become abundant and damage
pest control; because they do not leave in effectiveness for thrips control. For plants after its application.
toxic residues that would kill natural example, dinotefuran (Safari), available
enemies migrating in after their ap- to professional applicators, can provide Avoid foliar sprays of other organo-
plication. Contact insecticides include good control of thrips. Imidacloprid phosphate insecticides (e.g., malathion),
azadirachtin (AzaMax, Safer Brand (Bayer Advanced Tree & Shrub Insect carbamates (carbaryl), or pyrethroids
BioNeem), insecticidal soaps (Safer), Control, Merit) commonly fails to pro- (e.g., bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, fluvalinate,
narrow-range oil (Bonide Horticultural vide satisfactory thrips control, and and permethrin). These materials are
Oil, Monterey Horticultural Oil), neem imidacloprid generally is not recom- highly toxic to natural enemies and
oil (Green Light Neem, Schultz Garden mended for thrips. pollinators, can cause spider mite out-
Safe Brand Neem Oil), and pyrethrins, breaks, and are not particularly effec-
which many products combine with Neonicotinoids have low, moderate, or tive against most thrips. Because their
piperonyl butoxide (Ace Flower & severe adverse impact on natural en- use in landscapes and gardens can run
Vegetable Insect Spray, Garden Tech or wash off into storm drains and con-
emies and pollinators varying with the
Worry Free Brand Concentrate). To be taminate municipal wastewater, these
product, situation, and the species and
effective, contact sprays must be ap- insecticides are being found in surface
life stage of invertebrate. Neonicotinoid
plied to thoroughly cover buds, shoot water and are adversely affecting non-
insecticides can translocate to flowers
tips, and other susceptible plant parts target, aquatic organisms.
and may harm natural enemies and
where thrips are present. On plants
pollinators that feed on nectar and pol-
with a history of unacceptable damage,
len. Delay systemic insecticide applica-
Greenhouse Thrips
begin treatment early when thrips or
tion until after plants have completed
Management
their damage is first observed. Unless
their seasonal flowering, unless the Greenhouse thrips can infest many
directed otherwise by the product label,
product label directs otherwise. Where plant species but primarily is a pest
periodically repeat the application as
the roots of nearby plants grow near of evergreen, broadleaved perenni-
long as pest thrips and susceptible
treated plants, those other plants may als. It occurs mainly on the underside
plant parts are both present.
also take up some of the soil-applied of leaves and on fruit clusters or
insecticide. Delay soil application, other plant parts that touch each other.
Spinosad (Captain Jack’s Deadbug Brew, Greenhouse thrips is sluggish and
Green Light Lawn & Garden Spray when possible, until after the nearby
plants are also done flowering. the adults tend not to fly. Individuals
with Spinosad 2, Monterey Garden feed in groups and populations usu-
Insect Spray) is generally more effec- ally begin in a limited part of the plant
tive against thrips than the products To avoid tree injury and potential
spread of pathogens on contaminated and spread slowly. If the underside of
above. Spinosad lasts 1 week or more leaves on susceptible plants are regu-
and moves short distances into sprayed tools, use a soil application or trunk
spray whenever possible, instead of larly inspected to allow early detection
tissue (has translaminar activity) to and removal of new infestations, prun-
reach thrips feeding in protected plant injecting or implanting trees with
insecticide. Injecting or implanting ing off colonies can be effective.
parts. Adding horticultural oil to the
spray mix can increase its persistence trunks or roots injures trees, and it is
Greenhouse thrips is readily controlled
within plant tissue. This insecticide is difficult to repeatedly place insecticide
with thorough application of contact
a fermentation product of a naturally at the proper depth. If injecting or
sprays such as horticultural oil, natural
occurring bacterium, and certain for- implanting multiple trees, prevent the
pyrethrins (plus piperonyl butoxide),
mulations are organically acceptable. potential spread of pathogens on con-
or insecticidal soaps to the underside
Spinosad can be toxic to certain natural taminated tools; before moving to work
of infested leaves. Repeat applica-
enemies (e.g., predatory mites, syrphid on each new tree, scrub any plant sap
tions may be necessary. Keep in mind
fly larvae) and bees when sprayed and from tools or equipment that penetrate
that greenhouse thrips have natural
for about 1 day afterward; do not apply trees and disinfect them with a regis-
enemies in the landscape (discussed
spinosad to plants that are flowering. tered disinfectant (e.g., bleach). Avoid
above). Assess whether spraying is
methods that cause large wounds, such warranted and select materials that are
Insecticides More Toxic to Thrips and as implants placed in holes drilled in least toxic to natural enemies.
Beneficial Insects. Systemic insecti- trunks. Do not implant or inject roots
cides are absorbed by one plant part or trunks more than once a year.

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Table 1. Some Common Pest Thrips and Their Host Plants.

Thrips Appearance1
Common Scientific Name Host Plants Primary Damage Adults Larval Body
Name
avocado Scirtothrips perseae avocado scabby brown scars on 3 red spots atop pale yellow
thrips fruit head, brown lines
separating seg-
ments on pale
yellow abdomen
bean thrips Caliothrips fasciatus bean, occasionally other brown, distorted leaf and blackish body yellow to
legumes seedling terminals with white wing orangish
bands
citrus thrips Scirtothrips citri blueberries and citrus, scabby silvery scars on light orangish light orang-
generally not damaging citrus fruit; distorted blue- yellow to white ish yellow to
to its many other hosts berry leaves and shoots body white
Cuban laurel Gynaikothrips ficorum laurel fig or Indian laurel, rolled, podlike, dark- blackish body yellowish to
thrips Ficus microcarpa scarred terminals; galls white
greenhouse Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis mostly perennials with leaves bleached with black body with white to yel-
thrips thick, broad leaves, in- black excrement on un- pale wings lowish
cluding avocado, azalea, dersides; scabby fruit
hypericum, laurel (Eng-
lish and Grecian), pho-
tinia, and rhododendron
myoporum Klambothrips myopori Myoporum laetum, M. leaves swollen, curled, black body early instars
thrips pacificum and distorted; terminals are white to
galled yellowish,
pupae are
orangish
onion thrips Thrips tabaci vegetables including stippled and scarred yellow to dark yellow to
garlic, onion, and pepper; petals, leaves, and other brown body orangish
many herbaceous orna- plant parts; distorted
mentals where it’s usually terminals
not damaging
toyon thrips Liothrips ilex Christmas berry or toyon crinkled, undersized, black body with yellow
sometimes blackened pale wings
terminal leaves
western Frankliniella occidentalis many herbaceous or- stippled and scarred thick, bristlelike yellow to
flower thrips namentals (impatiens, petals, leaves, and other hairs at the tip of orangish
petunia); vegetables plant parts; distorted the abdomen; ab-
(cucurbits, pepper); fruits terminals, vectors tospo- domen extends
(grape, strawberry); some viruses affecting herba- beyond wing tips
shrubs and trees (rose, ceous plants at rest; individu-
stone fruit) als vary greatly in
color
1
Color does not reliably distinguish among thrips, which can be accurately identified to species only by an expert examination of microscopic characters.

Table 2. Some Common Beneficial Predatory Thrips.

Thrips Appearance
Common Name Scientific Name Where observed Adults Larvae
banded-wing thrips Aeolothrips spp. 1 among pest mites and black body, white wings yellow body
thrips with black bands
black hunter thrips Haplothrips mali 2 among mites, scales, dark brown or entirely dark, reddish-brown body
and pest thrips black body with long
abdomen, white wings,
much more active than
similar-looking green-
house thrips
Franklinothrips or Franklinothrips orizabensis, among lace bugs, mites, mostly black body, with yellow to orange body,
vespiform thrips F. vespiformis 1 and pest thrips pale or white areas; swollen abdomen with
distinctly narrow where red or dark orange band,
abdomen meets thorax body more stout or oval-
shaped than most thrips
sixspotted thrips Scolothrips sexmaculatus 3 in colonies of mites 3 dark blotches on each yellow to whitish body
forewing, body pale to
yellowish
Predatory thrips can sometimes be distinguished from pest species because predators are seldom seen at high levels as can be common with certain
pest thrips.

Families: 1 Aeolothripidae; 2 Phlaeothripidae; 3 Thripidae

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Figure 11. Pest Thrips and Their Damage. (All photos taken by J.K. Clark unless otherwise noted.)
REFERENCES
Bethke, J. A., and L. Bates. 2013. Pest
Notes: Myoporum Thrips. Oakland: Univ.
Calif. Agric. Nat. Res. Publ. 74165.
Available online at www.ipm.ucanr.
Avocado thrips larvae Avocado thrips fruit scarring
edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74165.html.
Avocado thrips adult
(D. Rosen) (D. Rosen)
Dreistadt, S. H., J. K. Clark, and M. L.
Flint. 2001. Integrated Pest Management
for Floriculture and Nurseries. Oakland:
Univ. Calif. Agric. Nat. Res. Publ. 3402.

Dreistadt, S. H., J. K. Clark, and M. L.

Bean thrips adult Bean thrips larva
Bean thrips leaf bleaching
and fecal specks Flint. 2004. Pests of Landscape Trees and
Shrubs: An Integrated Pest Management
Guide. Oakland: Univ. Calif. Agric. Nat.
Res. Publ. 3359.

Flint, M. L. 1998. Pests of the Garden and

Small Farm: A Grower’s Guide to Using
Citrus thrips adult Citrus thrips larvae Citrus thrips fruit scarring Less Pesticide. Oakland: Univ. Calif.
Agric. Nat. Res. Publ. 3332.

Hoddle, M. S., L. A. Mound, and D.

Paris. 2008. Thrips of California 2012
(CD-ROM). Australia: The University
of Queensland. Available online at
Cuban laurel thrips adult Cuban laurel thrips egg and larva Cuban laurel thrips leaf gall
http://keys.lucidcentral.org/keys/
v3/thrips_of_california/Thrips_of_
California.html.

Hodges, A., S. Ludwig, L. Osborne,

and G. B. Edwards. 2009. Pest Thrips
of the United States: Field Identifica-
tion Guide. USDA-CSREES Regional
Greenhouse thrips leaf bleaching
Greenhouse thrips adult Greenhouse thrips larvae
and feces Integrated Pest Management Centers.
Available online at https://firstdetector.
org/pdf/chili_thrips_deck.pdf.

Moritz, G., C. A. O’Donnell, and M.

Parrella. 2009. Pest Thrips of North
America - associated with domestic and
Myoporum thrips adults Myoporum thrips prepupa
(G. Arakelian)
Myoporum thrips galling
(G. Arakelian)
imported crops. Centre for Biological
(G. Arakelian)
Information Technology, The Univer-
sity of Queensland. DVD ISBN 978-1-
86499-940-2.

Onion thrips adult Onion thrips leaf stippling Toyon thrips feeding on terminals

Western flower thrips adult Western flower thrips larvae Western flower thrips petal necrosis

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May 2014 Thrips

AUTHORS: J. A. Bethke, UC Cooperative

Extension (UCCE), San Diego Co.; S. H. University of California scientists and other
Dreistadt, UC Statewide IPM Program, qualified professionals have anonymously peer
Davis; and L. G. Varela, UC Statewide IPM reviewed this publication for technical accuracy.
The ANR Associate Editor for Pest Management
Program and UCCE Sonoma Co.
managed this process.
(Revised from a previous edition by P. A. Phillips, To simplify information, trade names of products
UC Statewide IPM Program, Ventura Co. (retired) have been used. No endorsement of named products
and C. A. O’Donnell, UC Davis.) is intended, nor is criticism implied of similar products
that are not mentioned.
LINE DRAWINGS: Fig. 5 Adapted from This material is partially based upon work
Anonymous.1952. The Yearbook of supported by the Extension Service, U.S. Department
Agriculture: Insects. U.S. Dept. Agric. and of Agriculture, under special project Section 3(d),
Integrated Pest Management.
McKenzie, H. L. 1935. Calif. Agric. Exp. Sta.
Circ. 337; Fig. 10: C. Dewees. Produced by UC Statewide
Integrated Pest Management Program
TECHNICAL EDITOR: M. L. Flint University of California, Davis, CA 95618-7774
EDITOR: K. Beverlin

This and other Pest Notes are available at

www.ipm.ucanr.edu.

For more information, contact the University of

California Cooperative Extension office in your
county. See your telephone directory for addresses
and phone numbers, or visit http://ucanr.edu/
County_Offices/.

WARNING ON THE USE OF CHEMICALS

Pesticides are poisonous. Always read and carefully follow all precautions and safety recommendations
given on the container label. Store all chemicals in the original, labeled containers in a locked cabinet or shed,
away from food or feeds, and out of the reach of children, unauthorized persons, pets, and livestock.
Pesticides applied in your home and landscape can move and contaminate creeks, rivers, and oceans.
Confine chemicals to the property being treated. Avoid drift onto neighboring properties, especially gardens
containing fruits or vegetables ready to be picked.
Do not place containers containing pesticide in the trash or pour pesticides down the sink or toilet. Either use
the pesticide according to the label, or take unwanted pesticides to a Household Hazardous Waste Collection
site. Contact your county agricultural commissioner for additional information on safe container disposal and
for the location of the Household Hazardous Waste Collection site nearest you. Dispose of empty containers
by following label directions. Never reuse or burn the containers or dispose of them in such a manner that
they may contaminate water supplies or natural waterways.

ANR NONDISCRIMINATION AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION POLICY STATEMENT

It is the policy of the University of California (UC) and the UC Division of Agriculture & Natural
Resources not to engage in discrimination against or harassment of any person in any of its programs
or activities (Complete nondiscrimination policy statement can be found at http://ucanr.edu/
sites/anrstaff/files/183099.pdf).

Inquiries regarding ANR’s nondiscrimination policies may be directed to Linda Marie Manton,
Affirmative Action Contact, University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources,
2801 Second Street, Davis, CA 95618, (530) 750-1318.

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