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What signs of thrips feeding can be seen on plant leaves?

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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 small, sucking insects that feed on plant juices, which can lead to several visible signs of damage on plant leaves. Feeding activity often results in the disfigurement of leaves, and in warmer regions, certain species may cause the development of plant galls or leaf rolls.12

Beyond these specific deformities, the feeding process can generally damage the health and appearance of the foliage. Because thrips are minute—typically ranging from 1.5 to 3 mm in length—they are capable of accessing and feeding within the tiniest cracks of a plant's structure. It is also important to note that some species are economically significant because they can transmit plant viruses, which may further impact the condition of the leaves and the overall plant.1