Flower thrips

Definition

A collective common name for two economically significant pest species of thrips in the genus Frankliniella that infest flowers and crop plants: the Eastern flower thrips (Frankliniella tritici) and the Western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis). Both species feed on pollen and floral tissues, vector plant viruses, and cause silvering, scarring, or deformity in fruits and vegetables. The term is used primarily in agricultural entomology and integrated pest management contexts.

Etymology

From 'flower' (habitat/feeding site) + 'thrips' (the insect order Thysanoptera), distinguishing these species from foliage-feeding or predatory thrips.

Example

Western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) is a major quarantine pest in greenhouse production, transmitting Tomato spotted wilt virus to peppers and lettuce.

Synonyms

• Frankliniella flower thrips

Related Terms

• Thrips
• Frankliniella
• Western flower thrips
• Eastern flower thrips
• Thysanoptera
• vector
• Integrated Pest Management

Usage Notes

The term is informal and taxonomically imprecise—it refers specifically to F. tritici and F. occidentalis, not to all thrips found on flowers. Specialists generally prefer the specific epithet (Western flower thrips, Eastern flower thrips) in formal communication. Frankliniella occidentalis is globally invasive and of far greater economic consequence than F. tritici. Some regional agricultural extension materials may use 'flower thrips' more loosely for any Frankliniella species in bloom.