THRIP
There are several species of thrips in Southern California, and all share the common aspect of being very small—usually less than 1/16th inch in length. They are rarely noticed in the garden until their damage becomes obvious.
Thrips suck sap from the leaves of plants, frequently causing what is commonly called “leaf curl.” They can also seriously damage fruit, especially citrus and figs. Some species mainly attack flowers. There is also one variety that is beneficial, as it eats insect and mite eggs and also soft-bodied insects such as aphids.

Life Cycle
Tiny eggs are inserted into plant leaves or buds, which hatch and develop into two larval stages which actively feed. They go through partial metamorphosis into two pupal stages, although they are not true pupae. This stage will live in soil, leaf litter, and plant crevices. The egg to adult process can be completed in as little as two weeks, and there can be up to eight generations in a year.