Damage typically first appears as large dimples in the leaf between each main side vein, accompanied by spot chlorosis and cell necrosis. Further damage causes the edges of the leaves to curl centrally toward the midline. In advanced cases, the edges of each leaflet may overlap or completely curl inward to enclose the gall-like dimpled areas, which also encloses the thrips and provides protection for them. Each affected leaflet will ultimately be reduced to a narrow, distorted structure which severely reduces the area available for photosynthesis.

[This alert pre-dates scientific description of H. tabebuia. Included here because of its excellent description of the gall.]

- G. B. Edwards: (2002) Holopothrips sp., an introduced thrips pest of the trumpet tree^©