Both instars have red eyes. The abdominal segments taper from the thorax. In top view the second stage larvae are shaped like an elongate diamond. The posterior tube becomes dark in older larvae and is held pointing up. Prepupa and Pupa- Prepupae are similar to second stage larvae except that the wing buds are externally visible.
Pupae have longer wing buds and the antennae are folded back over the head.
F, Damage to ornamental fig. The Cuban laurel thrips is a pantropical species that occurs wherever Ficus retusa is planted. It has been recorded outdoors in California, Texas, Hawaii, and Florida. Cuban laurel thrips feed on Indian laurel, weeping fig, India rubber plant, other figs, and various shrubs and herbs. In the floricultural industry, weeping fig is the host most often infested.