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About Eric R. Eaton
Expertise
I can answer most questions related to wasps, solitary bees, grasshoppers and katydids, beetles, cicadas, and spiders, and identification of "mystery bugs" in North America. No "what bit me?" or "what do I feed this bug in captivity?" questions please.
Experience
Principal author, Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America. Professional entomologist employed previously at University of Massachusetts, Chase Studio, Inc., and Cincinnati Zoo; contract work for West Virginia Department of Natural Resources, Smithsonian Institution, and Portland (Oregon) State University.
Organizations
Entomological Society of America, National Association of Science Writers
Publications
Author, Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America, Missouri Conservationist magazine, Ranger Rick, Timeline (journal of the Ohio Historical Society). I have contributed to several books as well.
Education/Credentials
Oregon State University, undergraduate major in entomology, did not receive degree.
Past/Present Clients
Principal author of the Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America, Smithsonian Institution (contract), Cincinnati Zoo (employer), Portland State University (contract), Chase Studio, Inc (employer), Arkansas Museum of Discovery (guest speaker). Currently seeking employment in a highly creative work environment with a media corporation or non-profit.
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You are here: Experts > Science > Insects/Spiders > Entomology (Study of Bugs) > very tiny (mm) black bugs
Expert: Eric R. Eaton - 11/7/2009
Question
These bugs are on a potted hibiscus plant I brought in for the winter. The photos were taken this morning (Nov. 7th) in Kansas. They are causing leaves to turn yellow and fall off. I cannot find them anywhere online. Also, I'm pretty sure I've been bitten by these same bugs outside before. They tend to raise up their back end (curl it upwards) when they walk around. I'm pretty sure the red ones are larvae or juveniles b/c they move the same way. Any idea what these are?
Answer
Crissa:
Thank you for including the image with your question. I can clearly tell what you have there....
The insects in the image are "thrips." Oddly, the name "thrips" is both singular and plural. The black ones are adults, the red ones immatures (juveniles, nymphs). I don't know which species this is, or even family, though I am leaning toward the "tube-tailed thrips." You might consider contacting your local county extension agent (Cooperative Extension Service affiliated with your state's land grant university but with a local office, often in the county seat). He or she can be more helpful.
Good luck resolving these genuine pests.
Eric
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