The distribution and host plant associations of the pear thrips,Taeniothrips inconsequens(Uzel), were determined from published and unpublished data.T. inconsequensis found throughout Europe and much of North America as well as in some countries of Asia and South America; there is one record from North Africa. It is generally considered thatT. inconseqyensis native to Europe, but we present good evidence to suggest that Asia is its area of origin. Breeding hosts forT. inconsequenswere identified from 35 species, 17 genera and 12 families, with incidental records from at least 207 species, 138 genera and 54 families. Breeding hosts were mainly from the Rosaceae (5 genera, 16 species) and Aceraceae (1, 7) but also members of other plant families. Incidental collections were mostly from the Rosaceae (15 genera, 36 species) but also members of a wide range of plant families including the Compositae (10, 12), the Leguminosae (10, 11) and the Aceraceae (1, 9). Reports of economic damage to orchard and forest trees are listed. There is no evidence to suggest that recent outbreaks ofT. inconsequensin northeastern hardwood forests of the United States and adjacent areas of Canada can be explained by recent changes in host plant preference.