These Ravenous Beneficial Insects Predate & Parasitize Aphid Nymphs!
Ships via FREE Overnight methods on Tuesdays Only. MINIMUM 7-day processing prior to shipment.
Aphelinus abdominalis parasitizes a wide range of aphid species. Use Aphelinus abdominalis in virtually any crop or plant where Potato Aphid (Macrosiphum euphorbiae) and Foxglove/Glasshouse-potato Aphid (Aulacorthum solani) occur.
Not the best of fliers, these parasitic wasps nevertheless manage to hunt down and destroy significant numbers of aphids. Aphelinus abdominalis aphid parasites not only lay eggs in aphid nymphs, they also eat those that they don't parasitize. This secondary method of killing increases the effectiveness of A. abdominalis when used for aphid control and provides females with additional protein to develop more eggs. This results in increased aphid mortality and more wasp offspring. Use in conjunction with a generalist predator like Green Lacewing or the Minute Pirate Bug.
When the egg hatches into larvae inside the aphid nymph, the aphid swells and hardens into a leathery, grey or brown colored mummy. A. abdominalis are shipped to you in this stage; simply apply the parasites to foliage where aphid infestations are present. Once mature, the adult aphid parasites chew a hole in the back of the mummy and emerge. This species has a relatively long life (several weeks) and is better able to handle high temperatures than the Aphidius species.
Optimal Conditions: 70°-77°, 60-80% relative humidity
Release Rates:
- Preventative – 2-5 per 100 square feet, weekly
- Curative – 10-25 per 100 square feet, weekly
This Product Controls These Pests or Diseases: For use to control Aphids, including potato aphid (Macriosiphum euphorbiae), foxglove aphid (Aulacorthum solani), green peach aphid (Myzus persicae), California laurel aphid (Euthoracaphis umbellulariae), cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii), melon aphid (Aphis gossypii), bird cherry-oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi), cereal aphid (Sitobian avenae), and alfalfa aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum).
Instructions
Vial Applications (Option 1): Open vial in greenhouse or growing area. Make introductions early in the day or in the afternoon. Walk around the area to be treated with the open vial at a 45° angle. Gently tap the open vial while walking through the crop to evenly distribute the adult parasites. Recap the vial and wait for more adults to hatch. Repeat distribution daily for 2-4 days. Place vial upright in crop for 3-4 days afterwards until all mummies have hatched.
Vial Applications (Option 2): Tie the vial so it hangs among the leaves and leave the vial in the greenhouse for 3-4 days. This allows remaining parasites to escape as they emerge from mummies. Repeat the distribution of adults daily for 2-4 days until most adults have emerged. Finish by placing the open vial next to the crop in case more hatch.
Environment: Aquaponics, Container Plants, Greenhouse, Grow Room, Hydroponics, Orchards & Vineyards, Outdoors, Vegetable Gardens
Use Aphelinus abdominalis in greenhouses or in crops and fields to prevent outbreaks of various aphid species including Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Potato aphid) and Aulacorthum solani (Foxglove aphid). Effective in temperatures above 68°F.
Storage: If not releasing immediately, store in a cool area away from direct sunlight.
Shelf Life: Use within 18 hours of receipt.
Shipping Info
When Will My Order Ship?
- Ships via Overnight shipping methods only. This does not take processing time into account. Overnight Shipping refers to the time frame for delivery after the shipment date.
- Orders ship on Tuesdays only.
- Order by Tuesday for shipment the following Tuesday. 7-day minimum processing time prior to shipment.
- For any questions about shipping restrictions, please reach out.
What's In The Package: Each shipment includes approximately 250 or 1,000 mummies depending on size chosen.
