Western Flower Thrips vs Gall-forming Thrips

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Western Flower Thrips Gall-forming Thrips
Scientific Name Frankliniella occidentalis Klambothrips myopori
Order Thysanoptera Thysanoptera
Family Thripidae Phlaeothripidae
Size 1-2 mm 1.0-1.5 mm
Habitat Farmland Beaches & Coastal
Diet Pollen Feeders Gall Makers
Regions Worldwide Oceania, North America
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.

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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.

Gall-forming Thrips

A tiny Australian thrips that induces galls on Myoporum plants. It was introduced to California as a biocontrol agent.

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Did You Know?

This thrips was deliberately released in Hawaii and California to control invasive Myoporum trees.