LIVE DELIVERY GUARANTEED
TARGET PESTS:
Over 60 Aphid species. Larvae can consume 30-50 aphids per day.
ABOUT APHIDOLETES APHIDYMIZA:
Aphidoletes aphidymiza is used for controlling aphids in various settings. The larvae of aphidoletes are highly effective predators, targeting more than 60 species of aphids. These larvae are legless maggots with a vibrant orange color and can reach lengths of up to 3 mm (1/16 inch). The adult aphidoletes are small, delicate midges, resembling flies, measuring about 2-3 mm (1/16 inch) in length. The males possess long, hairy antennae, while the females have shorter and thicker antennas. Adult aphidoletes are primarily active in the evening and are not frequently seen.
RELEASE LOCATION:
They serve as effective agents for aphid control both indoors and outdoors, in various settings including commercial greenhouses, interior plantscapes, orchards, shade trees, roses, and home gardens.
RELEASE RATES:
LIGHT TO MODERATE INFESTATIONS
Small Area: 1 Midge per 6 plants, weekly, for 2 weeks
Large Area: 1,000-4,000 Midges per acre, 1-3 times a week, every 1-2 weeks
RELEASE OPTION 1 - Keep container at 70°F until a few adults are seen flying in container. Leave container around infested plant to allow any remaining aphidimyza to be released.
RELEASE OPTION 2 - Release cocoons immediately upon receipt. Gently sprinkle contents onto the infested area. Keep area moist (not wet) until adults emerge. Adults emerge within 7-14 days.
Releasing Aphidoletes during late summer in the presence of aphids can effectively decrease the population of aphids that overwinter. It also helps establish a predator population that remains active during the early spring of the following year.
It's important to note that these release rates serve as general guidelines and may vary based on the specific pest species, the crop or plant being treated, and level of infestation. Proper monitoring of the infestation and the subsequent effectiveness of the released beneficial insect population is crucial for determining the success of the biological control strategy.
STORAGE:
For best results, release immediately upon receipt. If storage is necessary, store at 70°F for no longer than 24 hours.
PRO TIPS:
Aphidoletes respond to cool temperatures by entering diapause, therefore in most greenhouses they are only active from mid-March to September unless supplemental lighting is used.
Using 10x-15x magnification, full grown larvae are relatively easy to see among aphids because of their characteristic color. Younger larvae are pale and smaller, and are much more difficult to see.
LIFESPAN:
Aphidoletes aphidymiza has a life cycle of approximately 21 days at 21°C (70°F), influenced by temperature and prey availability.
Female midges (60% of population) lay 150-200 shiny orange oval eggs near aphids. After 2-3 days, the eggs hatch and larvae emerge. Larvae feed for 7-10 days. Larvae pupate by spinning cocoons in the top layer of soil or organic material. Adults emerge in 2-3 weeks. Outdoor populations overwinter in soil cocoons, enduring various climates.
Outdoors, the last generation of Aphidoletes in the fall overwinters in the cocoons in the soil. They are hardy and survive outside through the cold growing regions.
It's important to note that these time-frames are approximate and can be influenced by factors such as temperature, humidity, and the availability of prey. Monitoring the development and activity of beneficial insect populations, along with environmental conditions, can help determine the progress and effectiveness of their role in pest control efforts.
