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Identifying characteristics-
Adult thrips are small, (0.5 to 5 mm long), cigar-shaped insects. Their
wings are long, narrow, and fringed along the edges. Thrips are typically
found in flowers, but not exclusively.
Biology- Adult female thrips
lay eggs in plant tissue. The larvae hatch and begin to feed on plant
tissue. When feeding, they insert their mouthparts into plant cells, and
suck fluids out. After feeding, thrips either drop to the soil, or hide
in rolled leaves to pupate. Their life cycle takes 2-4 weeks to
complete.
Plant
injury symptoms- Both the
immature and adult thrips feed on plant tissue. They feed on leaves, buds,
and flowers. When thrips feed on developing tissue, damaged cells are
unable to expand, so mature leaves are distorted. This distortion can show
dwarfism, leaf rolling, and even defoliation. When they feed on expanded
tissue, damaged cells become filled with air. This causes a silvery
appearance.
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