Thrips have a rapid life cycle, allowing populations to increase quickly under favorable greenhouse conditions. Warm temperatures and high humidity accelerate development, making early detection and management essential for crop protection.
Egg Stage
Females lay eggs inside plant tissue, typically in leaves, buds, or flowers. Eggs hatch in about 3 days, making infestations difficult to notice in the early stages.
Larval Stages
Thrips pass through two feeding larval stages, during which they damage plants by sucking out cell contents. These stages last approximately 7 days combined. Larvae actively move across leaf surfaces, targeting soft plant tissues and contributing to early crop stress.
Prepupa and Pupa
After feeding, thrips enter non-feeding prepupal and pupal stages. These occur in the soil, leaf litter, or plant debris and last about 4 days. During this time, thrips transform into adults, completing their development underground or hidden within plant material.
Adult Stage
Adult thrips are capable of flying, feeding, and reproducing. After a short pre-oviposition period, females begin laying eggs, restarting the cycle. Adults are highly mobile and can disperse across crops, spreading infestations rapidly if not managed.
Environmental Triggers and Adaptations
Thrips development and population growth are influenced by temperature and humidity. Warm, humid conditions speed up the lifecycle, while cooler conditions slow development. The combination of fast reproduction and mobility makes thrips a persistent greenhouse pest.
Duration
Under optimal conditions, the entire lifecycle from egg to adult can be completed in about 15 days, enabling multiple generations to occur in a single month.