Why might dark spots appear next to pale feeding areas made by thrips?

The dark spots that appear near pale feeding areas caused by thrips are typically the result of the insect's excrement. As thrips feed on plant tissues, they leave behind small, dark fecal deposits that contrast with the silvery or pale, discolored areas where the plant cells have been emptied of their contents.1

While these feeding sites are primarily caused by the physical damage of the insects, it is important to note that thrips can also act as vectors for plant disease. In some cases, the wounds created by insects provide entry points for bacteria or fungi, which may lead to further fruit spot symptoms or decay. However, the characteristic dark specks commonly associated with active thrips infestations are generally identified as their waste.12