virus or pest on this orchid?

[angela]

Hi Miller
I will jump in and give my very HO. I do not see Virus or Thrips. Your leaves are very healthy.
I am going to suggest that the damage was caused by a chemical. Do you have neighbours up-wind of you who use herbesides (weed-killers)? Note that the flower stems also seemed to be burned.

[Puppies2]

Gorgeous Cattleya!!! Sounds like and looks like thrips to me, especially since you said the little black long insects were seen....and they crawl soooooo very fast! AOS website has some great information and pictures of the damage to the orchid blooms. Good luck and let us know the outcome.