THRIPS

Thrips (or thunder flies) are small insects, many of which feed by sucking sap from leaves and flowers.   Adults have narrow dark brown bodies up to 2mm in length with an orange tipped abdomen.   They have pale yellow antennae, legs and wings which are fringed with short hairs and folded back over the abdomen whilst at rest.

The feeding activities of thrips cause a fine pale mottling of the upper leaf surfaces and affected foliage usually develops a silvery colouration.   The foliage is also marked with small red-brown spots caused by the thrips excrement.   When feeding occurs on developing shoot tips or flower buds it is likely to cause distorted growth.

Treat with insecticides.