Western Flower Thrips vs Privet Thrips

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Western Flower Thrips Privet Thrips
Scientific Name Frankliniella occidentalis Dendrothrips ornatus
Order Thysanoptera Thysanoptera
Family Thripidae Thripidae
Size 1-2 mm 0.8-1.2 mm
Habitat Farmland Heathland
Diet Pollen Feeders Herbivores
Regions Worldwide Europe, 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.

💡

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.

Privet Thrips

A small pale thrips that feeds on privet hedges causing silvery leaf damage. It has an unusual jumping ability for a thrips.

💡

Did You Know?

Privet thrips can leap several centimeters using a rapid flick of their abdomen, unusual among thrips.