[3] They can directly damage plants, grasses and trees, in addition to commercial crops,[3] and as a vector for tospoviruses, a form of plant virus, it particularly affects small fruit production in the United States, including strawberries, grapes, blueberries and blackberries.

[4] The species features strap-like wings edged with long hairs, a design which increases aerodynamic efficiency in very small arthropods; the reduced drag means the insect uses less energy.

[2] Frankliniella tritici can be subject to parasitism by the Thripinema fuscum nematode.

[6] This subspecies is approximately 0.25 inches (6.4 mm) in length, and is an orange and yellow colour.

[8] They are a migrant species; in springtime, they travel long distances from the South, into the Northeast and Midwest parts of America, borne on high-altitude wind currents.