Western flower thrip (Frankliniella occidentalis), coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Thrips feed on sap by piercing plant cells with their

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Western flower thrip (Frankliniella occidentalis), coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Thrips feed on sap by piercing plant cells with their paired maxillary stylets (not seen), which form a feeding tube. They are pests of commercial crops due to the damage caused by feeding on developing flowers or vegetables. This causes discolouration and deformities, reducing the quality of the crop. They are also considered the primary vector of plant diseases and viruses.

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Size: 4922px × 3567px
Photo credit: © DR DAVID FURNESS, KEELE UNIVERSITY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: 1, adult, agricultural, animal, biological, biology, bug, carrier, coloured, entomological, entomology, false-coloured, fauna, flower, frankliniella, insect, insecta, invertebrate, invertebrates, nature, occidentalis, pest, sem, single, thrip, vector, western, wildlife, zoological, zoology