Small Fan-footed Wave vs Banded Greenhouse Thrips

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Small Fan-footed Wave Banded Greenhouse Thrips
Scientific Name Idaea biselata Hercinothrips femoralis
Order Lepidoptera Thysanoptera
Family Geometridae Thripidae
Size 20-24 mm wingspan 1.5-2 mm
Habitat Woodlands Gardens
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe Africa, Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Small Fan-footed Wave

A small, delicate moth with pale buff wings and fine dark cross-lines. Common in deciduous woodland. Larvae feed on dead leaves on the woodland floor.

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Did You Know?

Named for the male's fan-shaped front legs that are displayed during courtship.

Banded Greenhouse Thrips

A large thrips species with banded wings that infests banana, avocado, and ornamental plants. Originally from Africa, it has spread to greenhouses worldwide.

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Did You Know?

This thrips is one of the largest species in the order and can be identified by the distinctive dark bands across its wings.