What is the primary food source for thrips?

The primary food source for thrips is foliage. Thrips are small, slender insects that primarily feed by piercing plant tissues with their specialized mouthparts and sucking out the contents. While they can sometimes be found on flowers and may consume pollen, their main feeding activity is directed toward the leaves of plants. This feeding can lead to significant damage, including stippling, silvering, and even leaf drop, which in turn affects the overall health of the plant. Understanding that foliage is their principal target helps in devising appropriate management strategies for thrips, particularly since they are often most harmful during their feeding on leaves.