thysanoptera

Thysanoptera, commonly known as thrips, is an order of tiny, slender insects found on almost every continent. Most species are less than 2 millimeters long and display two forms of wings when present: narrow, elongated wings with long fringe-like hairs held flat over the body, or wingless forms. The order is divided into two suborders, Terebrantia and Tubulifera, which differ in ovipositor morphology and abdomen structure.

Thrips have asymmetrical, rasping-sucking mouthparts used to abrade plant tissue and ingest cellular contents. Their feeding habits are diverse: many are phytophagous, others are fungivorous, and a few species are predatory, feeding on other small arthropods. They frequently inhabit flowers, new shoots, and developing fruits, where their feeding can cause stippling, scarring, and distortions.

The life cycle includes eggs deposited in plant tissue, two active larval instars, followed by two non-feeding pupal instars before emerging as adults. Reproduction is variable; many thrips reproduce by parthenogenesis, while others produce males and females through sexual mating. Eggs are often laid inside plant tissue using a specialized ovipositor, making management challenging.

Economically, thrips are significant pests in agriculture and horticulture. Several species transmit plant viruses, notably Tospoviruses such as Tomato spotted wilt virus, which can cause substantial yield losses. Control measures emphasize monitoring, cultural practices, biological control agents (including predatory and mite species), and, when necessary, targeted chemical controls.

Thrips occur worldwide, with high diversity in tropical regions and a strong association with flowering plants. They play varied ecological roles, ranging from crop pests to beneficial predators, depending on the lineage.