Australian Gall Thrips vs Western Flower Thrips
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Australian Gall Thrips | Western Flower Thrips |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Kladothrips intermedius | Frankliniella occidentalis |
| Order | Thysanoptera | Thysanoptera |
| Family | Phlaeothripidae | Thripidae |
| Size | 1-3 mm | 1-2 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Farmland |
| Diet | Gall Makers | Pollen Feeders |
| Regions | Australia | Worldwide |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
Australian Gall Thrips
A eusocial thrips from Australia that induces galls on Acacia trees and defends them with a soldier caste. They are among the only thrips species to show true eusociality.
Did You Know?
Their soldiers have enlarged forelegs used to crush and kill kleptoparasitic thrips that try to invade their galls.
Western Flower Thrips
One of the most economically damaging insects in horticulture. Transmits tomato spotted wilt virus. Despite being tiny, causes billions in crop damage annually worldwide.
Did You Know?
Thrips are among the smallest flying insects — some species are just 0.5 mm long, yet they can be carried by winds to altitudes of over 3,000 meters.