Delphastus catalinae - Description

Delphastus, also known as the whitefly predator beetle, is a highly effective predator targeting whiteflies and other small arthropods. With a dome-shaped body, adults measure about 1.5-2 mm in length, featuring brown or black wing covers with a shiny metallic appearance. Females lay eggs near whitefly colonies, which hatch into larvae within days, voraciously feeding on whitefly eggs, nymphs, and pupae. After pupation, they emerge as hungry adults, continuing their predatory behavior. Agile and quick, Delphastus beetles excel in high whitefly population situations and can consume up to 10,000 whitefly eggs each. Unlike some predators, they do not hibernate during fall and winter, allowing year-round utilization both indoors and outdoors. They complement other predators like Encarsia formosa and Eretmocerus eremicus for light to moderate infestations, making them a valuable asset in biological pest control. Females can lay several hundred eggs over a 2-month lifespan.