Thrips

Thrips

Thysanoptera

These tiny (1/25") fast moving insects have characteristic fringed wings (though they are so small you probably can't see them). They suck sap from a variety of plants including many vegetables and are a major agricultural pest of tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, onions and leafy greens. When present in large numbers they cause plants to become stunted and fruit to be malformed and may also transmit virus diseases. They can be a major problem in greenhouses, but in gardens they tend to be kept under control by predators. If severe outbreaks occur you can try insecticidal soap or the various botanical insecticides.

Image: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org