Sixspotted or Predatory Thrips are generalist predators and active hunters, but given their small size can only feed on very small prey such as other thrips, mites and small eggs.

Identification: Eggs are kidney shaped, translucent, very small and laid into leaf tissue. Larvae of this species are always pale and semi translucent. Adults are roughly 2-3mm in length, pale yellow with grey markings. They have three pairs of spots on the wings which are visible with a hand lens. Their head is wider then it is long and they have segmented antennae.

May be confused with: The larvae of the Sixspotted thrips look similar to many other thrips species.

Lifecycle: Small eggs are laid into leaf tissue. All Thrips have two larval and two pupal instars before emerging as adults.

Habitat: These thrips are widespread and can be found feeding on mites in various crops and natural vegetation.

Targeted prey: The adults and nymphs of sixspotted thrips feed on spider mites by piercing the body and sucking out the contents.

“This Sixspotted thrips is feeding on a spider mite. Note the 3 pairs of spots on its wings.” 2-3mm Photo: L. Wilson

Thrips - Predators of spider mites