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Small, slender, and hard to see, thrips are common on many plants and flowers. They feed by rasping the epidermis causing a whitening or silvering of the surface. If fruits or flower buds are attacked while small, the damage appears as "russeting" as the rest of the flower or fruit grows around the damaged area. Thrips have fringed wings.

  Western flower thrips

The most common thrips found in Idaho flowers is the western flower thrips. The adults appear tan because of their wings and the immatures are white. They can be found in almost any flower in the yard. They probably help pollinate as much as they cause damage.