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Science & Nature • Entomology

Thrips

Thrips are a group of tiny insects in the order Thysanoptera, known for their slender bodies, fringed wings, and asymmetrical mouthparts.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Thrips are a group of tiny insects in the order Thysanoptera, known for their slender bodies, fringed wings, and asymmetrical mouthparts. They occur worldwide and include both plant-feeding species and some predatory species. Many thrips are agricultural pests because they can damage crops and transmit plant viruses.

Classification and features

Thrips belong to the insect order Thysanoptera. They are distinguished by their tiny size, slender bodies, fringed wings, and unusual asymmetrical mouthparts.

Distribution and diversity

Thrips are found worldwide and are especially associated with flowering plants and other plant habitats. Sources report roughly 5,000 to 7,700 described species, reflecting different counting methods and updates in taxonomy.

Feeding and life cycle

Most thrips feed by piercing plant tissue and sucking out contents, though some species are predatory. Their development is described as intermediate between incomplete and complete metamorphosis.

Economic significance

Many thrips are important agricultural pests because they can scar crops, reduce yields, and spread plant pathogens. A few species are beneficial predators that help control mites and other small arthropods.

Key facts

  • Thrips are insects in the order Thysanoptera.
  • They are very small, usually around 1–2 mm long.
  • Many species feed on plant tissues and can damage leaves, flowers, and fruits.
  • Some thrips species transmit plant viruses.
  • Thrips occur on every continent except Antarctica.
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Canadian context

Thrips are relevant to Canadian agriculture, horticulture, and greenhouse production because several species are pests of ornamentals, vegetables, and fruit crops.

Frequently asked questions

What are thrips?
Thrips are tiny insects in the order Thysanoptera, characterized by narrow fringed wings and asymmetrical mouthparts.
Are thrips insects?
Yes. Thrips are insects and are classified in the order Thysanoptera.
Do thrips damage plants?
Many species do. Plant-feeding thrips can damage leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds, and some transmit plant viruses.
Do all thrips eat plants?
No. Most are plant-feeders, but some species are predatory and feed on mites or other small insects.
Where are thrips found?
Thrips are distributed worldwide and are especially common in tropical and temperate regions.
Why are thrips important to agriculture?
They can reduce crop quality and yield, and some species spread economically important plant diseases.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/thrips
    Supports: General description, diversity, feeding, and economic importance of thrips.
  2. North Carolina State University — https://genent.cals.ncsu.edu/insect-identification/order-thysanoptera/
    Supports: Classification, typical size, feeding habits, predatory species, and pest significance.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrips
    Supports: Order name, common features, distribution, and approximate species count.
  4. Encyclopedia of Arkansas — https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/entries/thrips-15204/
    Supports: Morphology, species diversity, and higher classification context.