Banded-wing Thrips vs Grain Aphid

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Banded-wing Thrips Grain Aphid
Scientific Name Aeolothrips fasciatus Sitobion avenae
Order Thysanoptera Hemiptera
Family Aeolothripidae Aphididae
Size 1.5-2.0 mm 1.5-3 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Predators Herbivores
Regions North America Europe, Asia, Africa, South America
Conservation Not Evaluated Not Evaluated

Banded-wing Thrips

A predatory thrips with dark-banded wings commonly found on crop plants. It preys on pest thrips, mites, and small insects.

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Did You Know?

Banded-wing thrips are among the most important natural enemies of pest thrips in North American alfalfa fields.

Grain Aphid

A major pest of cereal crops in Europe and other temperate regions. It feeds on ears and leaves, reducing grain quality and transmitting barley yellow dwarf virus.

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Did You Know?

Feeding on wheat ears during grain fill can reduce thousand-kernel weight by up to 20%.