Aphid Double Mix - Description

Parasitoid mix commonly used for managing aphid populations. A. colemani primarily targets smaller aphid species, while A. ervi are more effective against larger aphid species. This combination covers a wider range of aphids to serve as hosts. These parasitoids inject eggs into aphid hosts that hatch into larvae within 2-5 days. The larvae immediately start feeding and develop into pupae inside the aphid. After the pupal stage, adults emerge from the protective mummy continuing to parasitize aphids. Females can lay more than 100 eggs during their 2-week lifespan.

 

ABOUT APHIDIUS COLEMANI
Adult A. colemani are black 2-3mm long with long antennae and narrow abdomens. Adult females lay eggs from their abdomen by quickly curling their abdomen and puncturing an aphid simultaneously with their ovipositor. The egg, once inside the aphid, will hatch into a larva and consume the aphid. The larvae then pupates (spins a cocoon) inside the dead aphid. The mummified aphid swells into a characteristic round, golden brown mummy. The emerging adult will cut a symmetrical hole at the bottom end to escape from the mummified aphid. After injecting the aphid with an egg, it takes about a week for the mummy to form and then another week for the adult to appear.

 

ABOUT APHIDIUS ERVI
Aphidius ervi are around 4-5mm long and have a black body with translucent wings. They are often mistaken for small flies due to their size and delicate appearance. Aphidius ervi is widely distributed and commonly used in biological pest control programs.

Sex ratio is 60-70% female. The female adult will lay an egg directly into the aphid body where it hatches and the larvae will consume the aphid’s body from within. When A. ervi larvae mature, the host aphid transforms into a black mummy over 7 days. Subsequently, it takes another 14 days for the mummy to mature into an adult, which emerges through a hole at the mummy's rear. Expect to observe the first mummies in your crops at least 14 days after the initial release.