Springtail look-a-likes eating young leaves, new growths

[whygreenberg]

Hmm...haven't noticed the black speckling (I assume you're talkin' droppings). But I've just done some image googling and thrips do look correct. Blergh.

I always thought that thrips were winged insects, but apparently not?

Guess I am going to have to get more hard-core with the eradication methods. Poot. Do you have any specific suggestions for what to get? I've never used anything more chemical than soap & rubbing alcohol, and have my sweet cat to be mindful of.

Merci merci merci!

[camille1585]

Thrips are winged, but their wings are very fringed and nearly transparent when they have them against their body. Thrips don't frequently fly once they've found a place to feed. Sadly enough I know their biology pretty well after having studied them for 8 months.

Unfortunately thrips are quite hard to eradicate because of their tendency to hide in crevices, like the crown for example. They'll feed on leaves, but flowers are their preferred source of food because of the pollen. Normally the most effective way to kill them is with a systemic insecticide. I understand you're worried about your cat, so I'll see if I can find some effective and plant friendly treatments.

We're still assuming it's thrips at this point. If you can get pics of the damage, that would be great. Won't give a 100% ID, but will help.