Grain Pteromalid vs Greenhouse Thrips

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Grain Pteromalid Greenhouse Thrips
Scientific Name Anisopteromalus calandrae Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis
Order Hymenoptera Thysanoptera
Family Pteromalidae Thripidae
Size 1.5-2.5 mm 1.2-1.7 mm
Habitat Gardens Gardens
Diet Parasitoids Herbivores
Regions Worldwide South America, Europe, North America, Asia, Oceania
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Grain Pteromalid

A tiny parasitoid of grain weevil and bruchid beetle larvae concealed inside stored cereal grains. It is widely used in biological control of stored-product pests.

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Did You Know?

Females can detect beetle larvae hidden inside wheat kernels by drumming on the grain surface with their antennae.

Greenhouse Thrips

A dark-bodied thrips that feeds on a wide range of ornamental and subtropical fruit plants. It produces distinctive dark fecal spots on leaves.

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Did You Know?

Greenhouse thrips deposit drops of liquid excrement on leaf surfaces, which harden into conspicuous varnish-like black spots.