Aphidoletes aphidimyza - Aphid Control
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 LOCATIONS:
Indoors and outdoors on a wide range of plants in various settings including commercial greenhouses, interior plant-scapes, orchards, shade trees, roses, and home gardens.
INTRODUCTION 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.
LIFE CYCLE:
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.
TARGET PESTS
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
LIVE DELIVERY GUARANTEED
Aphidoletes aphidimyza controls over 60 aphid species. Release early to give time for the larval stage to develop. May diapause.
CROPS
CROPS
Vegetable Crops
Soft Fruit Crops
Hemp
Ornamental Crops
Tree Nurseries
USAGES
Greenhouses
Field Crops
Gardens
These predators cannot be used when the day length is below 12 hours or any time of the year indoors. They can be used in hydroponic systems, but don’t expect any establishment (multiple generations) since they pupate in the soil.
INTRODUCTION RATES
1 insect per 3 sq. ft., weekly, 2-3 times
1,000-4,000 insects per acre, weekly, 1-3 times.
Temperature Range: 50-88°F
APPLICATION
Most of the Aphidoletes will still be in their pupal stage when delivered. Gently disperse any emerged adults onto infested plants. Place remaining pupae in small piles onto moist soil near aphid infestations. Leave open container on it's side, in place for 72 hours to allow any remaining insects to be introduced.
PRO TIPS
- Yellow sticky cards should be removed for the first few days after the release of the midges. Blue sticky cards are acceptable to keep the entire time but avoid releasing them right next to them.
- 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.
- If ants are present, be sure that they are controlled before releasing Aphidoletes or aphid parasitoids. Aphids produce honeydew that the ants feed on and will protect them from predators or parasitoids.
- Do not introduce in combination with Green Lacewings or Amblyseius swirskii since the lacewing larvae will eat the Aphidoletes larvae, and A. swirskii may eat the midge eggs.
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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.
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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.
- Depending on the size and type of plants, the number and type of pests, other predator and parasite populations, and temperature, the frequency of releases may be affected.
STORAGE
For best results, introduce immediately upon receipt. If storage is necessary, store at 40-50°F for no longer than 48 hours. Store out of direct sunlight. Do not freeze.
DISCLAIMER
Store Policies
Please review our store policies below on Shipping & Processing, Live Delivery Guarantee, and Returns/Replacements. By placing your order, you are agreeing to these policies. Thank you!
Changes/Cancellations:
Please note that our Live Delivery Guarantee pertains specifically to the condition of the insects at the time of delivery and does not cover instances where insects may perish at a later stage. We will exercise our discretion to assess whether your situation falls within the time frame qualifying for our policy. Factors such as the insect species, hatching time, temperature conditions, and other relevant considerations will be taken into account to determine the applicability of the guarantee. For non-hatching insects, you must contact us within 48 hours of delivery in order to be considered for the guarantee. Replacements will only be processed/shipped on Wednesdays & Thursdays.
Upon receiving your package from NaturesGoodGuys, we highly recommend opening it immediately and checking for a sticker indicating the need for refrigeration. It's crucial to carefully read the instructions included for specific storage information to ensure the well-being of your beneficial insects. We are not responsible for replacements due to incorrect storage methods.
One important thing to note is that we do not expect ice packs to remain frozen or cold upon delivery. Ice packs serve as a temporary measure to help maintain moisture and temperatures during transit.Please keep in mind that some insects may require time to adjust and recover from transit before they become active. If you don't observe immediate movement upon opening the package, this doesn't necessarily mean they are not viable. Give them a little time, and monitor for signs of activity as they settle into their new environment. Most of our insects are difficult to see without magnification.
Some species/quantities do not have multiple shipping methods to choose from because they require short transit time for viability. For those who have concerns about the well-being of their insects during transit, we suggest selecting overnight shipping. This ensures that your beneficial insects spend minimal time in transit, reducing stress and maximizing their chances of arriving in optimal condition.
1. Customer input the incorrect shipping information: If the customer contacts our help line BEFORE their order has been processed to correct an address error we will be able to perform this change for you so that you can receive your order.