Thrips (Thysanoptera)

Greek "thysanos" (fringed) + "ptera" (wings)

Thrips are small insects that mostly live in plants, often in flower heads. Most eat plants, though a few also eat mites and other small insects. If they have wings (some thrips do not) the wings are slender and rod-like, covered in a fringe of silky hair. They have short antennae and their body is cylindrical. Thrips are very destructive to farm crops and garden plants. The singular of thrips is also thrips.

Quick ID Rod-shaped wings with fringe of hair Cylindrical body Found in flower heads, on plants

More information about Thrips Tree of Life NC State Dept. of Entomology