Orius insidiosus is a voracious predator of many common greenhouse plant pests, including thrips and aphids. This individual was found in the flower of an Amaranthus palmeri plant being grown at the University of Guelph Phytotron by graduate student Zach Teitel. Zach's research focuses on the evolution of resistance, escape and tolerance defense strategies for noxious weeds in response to herbicide application.
Thrips were a potential problem for this experiment, given A.palmeri's prolific pollen production - a favorite food source for thrips - so O.insidiosus was released at the first signs of flowering to combat them. This picture was taken during my weekly pest scouting, using a 10x hand lens in front of the camera.
