Melon Thrips, Thrips palmi
(Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

Melon thrips are found in Florida only south of Orlando. A complete generation may be completed in 20 days when environmental conditions are conducive but may take up to 80 days depending on the temperature. Melon thrips are able to multiply during any season that a crop is grown but favors warm weather. The eggs are deposited in leaf tissue in a slit cut by the female. Eggs are colorless to pale white in color and are bean-shaped in form. The larvae resemble the adults in body form but lack wings and are smaller. Larvae usually feed in groups along midribs and veins and prefer older leaves. The adults are pale yellow to white in color and have numerous dark hairs on the body. A black line runs along the back of the body. Melon thrips are very difficult to distinguish from other thrips species and usually require a specialist to identify them.

Melon thrips are major pests of the plant families Cucurbitaceae and Solanaceae. Vegetable plants that are injured are bean, cabbage, cantaloupe, cowpea, cucumber, eggplant, lettuce, melon, okra, onion, pea, pepper, potato, pumpkin, squash, and watermelon. Plant leaves that are infested become white or yellowish-brown and then crinkle and die. Heavily infested fields may have a heavy bronze color. Insecticides may be used to suppress thrips populations but may be detrimental to biological control agents that are present in the field. Insecticides are only effective on larvae and adults.

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Injury to snap beans caused by melon thrips, Thrips palmi.
(Photographer: J. Capinera, University of Florida)

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Melon thrips, Thrips palmi, on bean pods.
(Photographer: J. Capinera, University of Florida)

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