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What animals and insects prey on thrips?

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Detailed illustration of a western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, showing its elongated yellow-brown body, six legs, and two pairs of fringed wings spread outward. — thrips Western flower thrips (*Frankliniella occidentalis*).

Thrips are subject to predation by a variety of organisms. Their natural predators include:

Insects: Many insects, including other species of thrips, prey upon them.1
Mites: Various mite species act as predators of thrips.1
Vertebrates: Birds, salamanders, and lizards are also known to feed on thrips.1

In addition to these biological predators, environmental factors such as heavy rains, strong winds, and dust can be highly destructive to thrips populations. While some thrips are considered pests, it is important to note that certain species are beneficial, as they prey on other destructive mites and scale insects or assist in the pollination of flowers.12