This species of thrips is native to the Southwestern United States[1] but has spread to other continents, including Europe, Australia (where it was identified in May 1993[1]), and South America via transport of infested plant material.

[citation needed] The lifecycle of the western flower thrips varies in length due to temperature, with the adult living from two to five or more weeks, and the nymph stage lasting from five to 20 days.

[3][4] Flower-feeding thrips are routinely attracted to bright floral colors, especially white, blue, and yellow, and will land and attempt to feed.

The western flower thrips is also the major vector of tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), a serious plant disease.

It has been shown that acquiring TSWV (which only occurs during the larval stages) causes more feeding in the thrips which results in a longer life span eventually.

Other agents show promise as biological pest control, including the entomopathogenic fungi Metarhizium robertsii (syn.