Thrips (Thysanoptera)

The Thysanoptera, thrips, are a diverse insect order with worldwide distribution (Table 11). There are approximately 5,800 species described from nine families. The order is divided into two distinct suborders: Tubulifera and Terebrantia. These two suborders can be distinguished by the shape of the last abdominal segment of the adult stage which is short and pointed in the Terebrantia, or long and tubular in the Tubulifera. Nearly all described species are less than 5 mm in length, and can be yellow, green, black, or red colored. The name Thysanoptera, derived from the Greek words, “thysanos” meaning fringe and “ptera” meaning wings, refers to the two pairs of slender wings which have few or no veins and bear a dense fringe of long hairs (Figs. 48 and 49). These hairs allow for greater wing area and increased flight efficiency. Thrips are thought to be closely related to Hemiptera and Psocoptera.

• Order: Thysanoptera

  • Suborder: Tubilifera

    • Family: Phlaeothripidae

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