The second instar larva is yellowish, about 0.7 to 0.9 mm long. The pupa and prepupa are similar to the second instar larvae in color and shape, except for having small wing pads. B, First larvae. C, Second larva. Onion thrips have been found in most countries throughout the world.
Onion thrips are extremely polyphagous.
They inhabit leaves, shoots, and flowers of many plants. It prefers to feed on onions, but feeds on many field crops, vegetables, various flowers, and bedding plants. It may cause heavy damage to chrysanthemums and carnations. Generally feeding of onion thrips cause yellowing or dropping of leaves, buds, or flowers. High infestation results in stunted growth, brown blisters, white blotches, silvery whitish areas or feeding scars.