How do flower thrips feed?

How do flower thrips feed?

• A. They pierce the leaf or petal surface and suck sap from injured cells.
• B. They chew large holes in leaves.
• C. They feed on roots.
• D. They feed on nectar.

Answer: (A)

Flower thrips feed with piercing-sucking mouthparts, puncturing the plant surface and sucking out the contents of individual cells. This means they damage tissues without chewing, leaving stippling, silvery patches, and possible distortion on petals or leaves. While some thrips may visit flowers for pollen, their primary feeding action is this piercing-sucking method, not chewing holes, feeding on roots, or primarily taking nectar.

Flower thrips feed with piercing-sucking mouthparts, puncturing the plant surface and sucking out the contents of individual cells. This means they damage tissues without chewing, leaving stippling, silvery patches, and possible distortion on petals or leaves. While some thrips may visit flowers for pollen, their primary feeding action is this piercing-sucking method, not chewing holes, feeding on roots, or primarily taking nectar.