Western Flower Thrips vs Grain Thrips
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Western Flower Thrips | Grain Thrips |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Frankliniella occidentalis | Limothrips cerealium |
| Order | Thysanoptera | Thysanoptera |
| Family | Thripidae | Thripidae |
| Size | 1-2 mm | 1.2-1.8 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Pollen Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Worldwide | Europe, Asia, North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Grain Thrips
A widespread pest of cereal crops including wheat, barley, and oats. Adults are dark brown and migrate in swarms during warm summer days.
Did You Know?
On hot summer days, grain thrips swarm in enormous numbers and are colloquially known as "thunder bugs" because they seem to appear before storms.