Identification
piercing-sucking mouthparts
larvae are tiny crawlers, pointed at both ends
adults are tiny winged insects (0.5- 1.4 mm)
fringes along both edges of wing
colour: light tan to brown to black depending on the species (some are striped on their backs
Damage
often feeding is on young leaves and flowers causing distortion in plant growth
piercing mouthparts damage leaves, fruit, and flowers leaving silvery/ grey patches on the leaves
black fecal pellets called frass is often left in the damaged area
frass can be a problem, causing sooty mold to occur
Beneficial Insects for control
Neoseiulus (=Amblyseius) cucumeris (Acari: Phytoseiidae)
-predatory mite
-primarily feed on the first larval stage of thrips
Strateolaelaps scimitis (Acari: Laelapidae)
-generalist predatory mite
Atheta (Dalotia) coriaria (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae)
-generalist predatory beetle