Thrips parvispinus is endemic to south east Asia and is already present in the EU. So far, it is not listed in the Annexes of Regulation (EU) 2019/2072 or by EPPO, but was included in the EPPO Alert List from 2000 to 2001.

Thrips parvispinus is polyphagous and infests e.g. pepper, chili, papaya, citrus, hibiscus, dahlia, gardenia, Mandevilla (Dipladenia) and various vegetable species.

Due to unsuitable climatic conditions, it is assumed that T. parvispinus is not able to establish outdoors in Germany, however, the establishment in south European EU-Member States is possible. Establishment in protected cultivation is possible throughout the EU in case of sufficient high temperatures.

Thrips parvispinus can cause damage especially in (sub-) tropical regions by feeding on its host plants; secondary infections through fungi are possible. So far, the thrips is not regarded as a significant risk for the EU but due to changes in agricultural practices and because of increasing climate change more severe damage cannot be ruled out in the future. 

Currently the damage potential for its host plants in the EUMember States is rather low, therefore T. parvispinus is not classified as potential quarantine pest and thus, Article 29 of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 does not apply. Nevertheless, as a precaution, it is recommended to destroy infected plant material resp. to take control measures for the prevention of significant damage.