Common name : Thrip
Scientific name : Thysanoptera
Family : (order) Thysanoptera
Native to : Worldwide distribution
Interesting fact : Thrips have asymmetrical mouthparts, with the right mandible being reduced. This feature is unique to this group.
From 0.5 to 14 mm in length, thrips are small insects with fringed wings. Due to their size and wing shape they are not strong flyers, but are known to travel great distances by wind. Their diet ranges from plants to animals based on the species. They feed by puncturing their food and sucking up the contents. Many of the species are considered agricultural pests due to the damage they cause to the crops.
