In September-November 2001, the black vine thrips, Retithrips syriacus (Mayet) was found as widely distributed in home gardens of Antakya center, Samandağ and İskenderun districts of Hatay. The infestation ratios of the pest for grapevines varied in leaves and clusters as 20-80% and 50%, respectively. In nature, grapevines (Vitis vinifera L), kaki fruit (persimmon) (Diospyros kaki L.), walnut (Juglans regia L.), Brazil pepper (California pepper) tree (Schinus molle L), wild apple (Malus sylvestris Mill.), Ampélopsis orientale (Lam.) Plane., Myrttıs communis L. and rose (Rosa spp.) were found as host plants. The thrips was also found feeding on avocado fruits (Persea americana Mill.) and cotton plants (Gossypium hirsitum L.) under the laboratory conditions. On grapevine, adults and nymphs feed mainly on old leaves, sucking the plant sap. The adults and young stages were described and some body parts of the thrips were photographed from microscopes and SEM. Some biological information for the species were given. In our opinion, if the thrips spread to commercial orchards, economic crop losses will be encountered.