Florida flower thrip

Frankliniella bispinosa Morgan is a common flower thrips species native to Florida and southern Georgia. Often found in association with other flower thrips, Florida flower thrips is considered to be of secondary importance relative to the more invasive western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis. Nonetheless, Florida flower thrips can attain large populations quickly following flowering of susceptible crops, especially before predator populations build up. This species causes significant economic damage to a range of crops, including citrus, blueberries, strawberries, and field pepper. Field identification of different flower thrips species is difficult without expert help.