Field Identification
A thrips species tied to Ficus (especially Cuban laurel and weeping fig), causing leaf rolling, bronzing, and black fecal spotting. Damage is mostly aesthetic on large trees but can stress ornamentals.
Dark-bodied thrips about 1.5 mm inside tightly rolled leaf galls they induce; adults are winged and dark.
How to Deal With It
Organic Control Methods
Inspect new Ficus material; avoid shearing that produces the soft flush thrips prefer if timing draws outbreaks.
Minute pirate bugs and lacewing larvae feed on thrips when they can reach them inside rolls; conserve generalist predators.
Prune and remove heavily rolled terminals and destroy them; improve airflow in dense canopies.
Strong water blast on accessible shrubs dislodges some adults.
Insecticidal soap or neem with pressure to penetrate rolled leaves; systemic organics are limited—repeat applications often needed.
Let Nature Handle It
Natural Enemies
- Minute Pirate Bugs
- Lacewings
- Predatory Mites
Threat Map