Western Flower Thrips vs Cabbage Looper
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Western Flower Thrips | Cabbage Looper |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Frankliniella occidentalis | Trichoplusia ni |
| Order | Thysanoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Thripidae | Noctuidae |
| Size | 1-2 mm | 33-38 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Pollen Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Worldwide | North America, Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
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.
Cabbage Looper
A pale green caterpillar that moves in a distinctive looping motion and feeds on brassica crops. The adult moth has a silvery figure-eight marking on each forewing.
Did You Know?
It was the first insect to develop resistance to the biological insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis in greenhouse settings.