Rose Thrips vs Western Flower Thrips

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Rose Thrips Western Flower Thrips
Scientific Name Thrips fuscipennis Frankliniella occidentalis
Order Thysanoptera Thysanoptera
Family Thripidae Thripidae
Size 1.2-1.6 mm 1-2 mm
Habitat Orchards Farmland
Diet Pollen Feeders Pollen Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia Worldwide
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Rose Thrips

A common European thrips found in rose flowers and other blossoms. It feeds on pollen and flower petals.

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Did You Know?

Rose thrips are one of the most frequently encountered insects when sniffing garden roses on summer days.

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.

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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.