Thysanoptera Collection

False-coloured scanning electron micrograph of a Thrip's (Thysanoptera) head, the bulging compound eyes can be seen on either side of the head

Small scabious (Scabiosa columbaria) with three tiny (1mm) Thrips (Order Thysanoptera) on a petal, Monmouthshire, Wales, UK

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) stigma open to receive pollen for fertilization, Monmouthshire, Wales, UK, July

Thrip in amber
A thrip, a small to minute sucking insect seen here preserved in Dominican amber. Specimen dates from the Lower Miocene

Aeolothrips sp. banded thrips
This insects is a pest to Hyupocloeris sp. and Verbascum sp. plants. Specimen originating from Kew Gardens, Surrey, England by G.D. Morison

Thrips, SEM
Thrips. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a thrips, or thunder fly (order Thysanoptera), feeding inside a grass seed head

Thrip head, SEM
Thrip head. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the head of a thrip, showing its large compound eyes. Thrips (order Thysanoptera)

Adult thrips on leaf showing characteristic silvering of leaf surface due to their feeding activities
ASW-4561 Adult thrips on leaf showing characteristic silvering of leaf surface due to their feeding activities Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Terebrantia Alan J. S

Adult and larval thrips on leaf, showing characteristic silvering of leaf surface due to their feeding activities
ASW-4560 Adult and larval thrips on leaf, showing characteristic silvering of leaf surface due to their feeding activities. Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Terebrantia Alan J. S

Damage to foliage of ornamental shrub caused by infestation of thrips. Silvering of leaf surface characteristic
ASW-4558 Damage to foliage of ornamental shrub caused by infestation of thrips. Silvering of leaf surface characteristic. Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa Terebrantia Alan J. S

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Thysanoptera, commonly known as thrips, are fascinating insects that often go unnoticed due to their small size. In this false-coloured scanning electron micrograph of a thrip's head, we can see the intricate details of its compound eyes. These bulging eyes are located on either side of the head and are composed of numerous individual units called ommatidia. Sensory hairs sprout between these units, allowing the thrip to navigate its environment with precision. In nature, thrips can be found in various habitats and have diverse feeding habits. For instance, on a small scabious flower measuring just 1mm in size, three tiny Thrips from the order they are be spotted. These minuscule creatures play an essential role in pollination as they visit flowers like dandelions whose stigma is open to receive pollen for fertilization. Interestingly, some ancient specimens have been preserved in amber over time. One such example is a Thrip trapped forever within golden resin—a snapshot frozen in time. Among the different species of thrips is Aeolothrips sp. , also known as banded thrips due to distinctive markings on their bodies. Their presence showcases the incredible diversity within this insect order. Scanning electron microscopy allows us to delve even deeper into understanding these intriguing creatures. The SEM images reveal close-ups of a thrip's head and body structure—remarkable adaptations that aid them in survival and reproduction. However, it's not all beauty without consequence when it comes to these tiny insects' feeding activities. Adult thrips grazing on leaves often leave behind characteristic silvering marks due to their unique mouthparts piercing plant tissues for nutrients extraction. This phenomenon can be observed on leaves from Grahamstown in Eastern Cape, South Africa where both adult and larval stages showcase their feeding activities' impact. While easily overlooked by many observers due to their size or hidden lifestyles among plants, thrips play a significant role in ecosystems.