The western flower thrips and the tobacco thrips are two very destructive species. Adult thrips are usually less than 2.0 mm in length. Adult thrips have two pair of fringed wings. Larvae are very small at about 0.25 mm in length. There is a pupal stage that occurs in the soil.
Thrips have a wide host range.
Most vegetables, agronomic crops, ornamentals, and weeds have one or more thrips species that may attack them. They rasp the leaves and terminal buds with their sharp mouthparts and feed on the escaping juices. Leaves may turn brown on the edges, develop a silvery color, and may become distorted and curl or cup upward. Early, moderate to severe thrips injury can delay maturity. The main seedling thrips in Georgia are the tobacco and onion thrips.