Thrips can be distinguished from other insects by the fringe of hair on their two pairs of wings. These tiny insects feed on plants, mites, and smaller insects.

How to Collect

Thrips can be found in both growing and dying vegetation, flowers, shrubs, leaves, mosses, fruits, twigs, bark, dead branches, and fungi. Recording the host data is important in helping to identify these insects. Sweep and beat vegetation. Sift humus, bark, and leaf mold, or process samples using a Berlese funnel. Collect thrips with a moistened brush.

Short-term Storage

Collect in 70% ethanol.

Long-term Preservation

Mount in balsam on microscope slides.