Nymphal stages are similar to adults but do not have fully-developed wings. Adult females and nymphs occur throughout the year on and around host plants. Wingless males are rare. The first two instars are spend on the host plant and the later non-feeding stages are spent in the soil. Up to eight generations can occur annually.
Mouthparts are for rasping or piercing-sucking.
Adults and immature forms use their single sword-like mandible to rupture plant cells on the outer surface of leaves and other plant parts, and then suck out the contents by pressing their mouthparts onto the damaged surface. Winged adult thrips can be attracted to yellow sticky traps. Flying adults occasionally invade dwellings through screens or open windows, biting the occupants. Although irritating, bites are usually not serious and involves no venom. Injured young, expanding leaves become distorted.