Thrips damage to fully expanded Basswood leaves. The introduced basswood thrips is of European origin. Because it has not caused damage in its native European range, its basic biology, host range and life history are not well known. Preliminary research suggests that egg production and thrips development are optimal at cooler temperatures. Adult females emerge from overwintering sites in the soil as basswood buds break in early spring.
Adults feed on the newly opened leaves, rupturing individual plant cells.
No males have been recorded in North America. Larvae appear in mid- to late May, and feed on leaf tissue throughout their development. At least two larval instars are recognized. Fully developed larvae drop from the foliage, move into the litter and soil, and pupate. Adults emerge from pupae later in the summer, move into the soil, and diapause until the following spring.