DESCRIPTION:
Adult parasitic wasps are black 2-3 mm long with long antennae and narrow mid drifts. 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. Each female can lay more than 100 eggs.
PRODUCT INFORMATION:
Aphidius colemani are shipped as pupae. Some adults may have emerged during transit. Sex ratio 65% female.
TARGET PESTS:
Various species of aphids - focusing on small-bodied aphids. Green Peach Aphid, Melon/Cotton Aphid, Black Bean Aphid, Cannabis Aphid, Potato Aphid, Foxglove Aphid, Chrysanthemum Aphid, Rose Aphid, Pea Aphid, Glasshouse Potato Aphid.
SUPPORTED CROPS:
Fruit, Vegetable, Ornamental, Hemp, and Tree Crops.
RELEASE SITES:
Indoor & Outdoor: Gardens, Fields, & Greenhouses.
RELEASE RATES:
Release in the morning or evening, when environmental conditions are favorable. Release immediately upon receipt. Leave open container in place to allow any remaining pupae to be released. Do not place pupae directly on soil.
PREVENTATIVE RELEASE:
1-5 wasps per 100 sq. ft., weekly.
CURATIVE RELEASE:
5-25 wasps per 100 sq. ft., weekly for at least 3 weeks.
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.
LIFE CYCLE:
Egg | Larval | Pupal | Adult
The egg stage lasts around 3 to 5 days before hatching into a larva, which feeds on the aphid for about 7 to 9 days. During the pupal stage, which lasts approximately 5 to 7 days, the larva transforms and forms a cocoon inside the mummified aphid. The mummification process takes around 2 to 3 days. Finally, after 1 to 2 days, the adult wasp emerges from the mummy. Overall, the lifecycle from egg to adult spans approximately 18 to 26 days.
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.
STORAGE:
Release immediately upon receipt. If storage is necessary, store at 39-46°F for no longer than 24hrs.
PRO TIPS:
Remove any yellow sticky traps for the first few days after release.
