Onion Thrips
Thrips tabaci
This record describes Thrips tabaci (species). Recorded family: Thripidae. Recorded order: Thysanoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Almost worldwide. They are a severe pest of onions and related plants. They can also attack cabbage, cotton, tomatoes, and almost any cultivated plant. Considered invasive in this country (from Asia). (Capinera, John L. North American Vegetable Pests. The Pattern of Invasion. American Entomologist. Spring 2002)
Wikipedia reference for Thrips tabaci: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrips_tabaci.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Thysanoptera (Thrips)
- Family
- Thripidae
- Subfamily
- Thripinae
- Genus
- Thrips
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
14 to 30 days
About Thrips: the wider group
Order-level background for Thysanoptera, the group containing Thrips tabaci. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Thysanoptera (thrips) includes ~6,000 described species. Thrips are among the smallest flying insects - most are just 1-2mm long. Despite their tiny size, they are major agricultural pests worldwide.
Ecological role of the group
Some thrip species are actually beneficial predators that feed on pest mites and other small arthropods. Thrips are also pollinators of some tropical plants, including certain palm species.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) is considered one of the top 10 most economically important pest insects globally, causing billions in crop damage through direct feeding and transmission of tospoviruses like tomato spotted wilt virus.
Recorded sources for this group: USDA, agricultural entomology research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Onion Thrips (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset
Frequently Asked Questions About Onion Thrips
What is Onion Thrips?
Onion Thrips (Thrips tabaci) is a species in the family Thripidae, within the order Thysanoptera.
How big is Onion Thrips?
Adults up to 2 mm.
What is the life cycle of a Onion Thrips?
14 to 30 days