A Benefecial Parasitic Wasp That Attacks Many Species Of Leafminer Pests
Live insects from Tip Top Bio Are Expedited To Ensure Your Insects Arrive Quickly & Safely.
The Adult wasps are metallic green and black, 2 - 3 mm in length. Females are larger than males. Sex ratio is 50/50. Diglyphus females will track down and sting leafminer larvae in the 2nd an 3rd instar laying an egg inside the mine. The eggs will hatch and the larvae will feed on the leafminer and then pupate in the leaf mine. Diglyphus larvae are very difficult to locate. However, inspecting leaves by putting a light behind the leaf can easily identify the black and green pupae. Diglyphus will kill a large number of leafminer's for host feeding. The leafminer pest have only 3 instar's of development and develop quickly, in greenhouse conditions. Depending on the conditions, there may be only 1 day between instar developments.
Targets:
- Several species of Leafminer pests (Diptera: Agromyzidae) in the genus Liriomyza including:
- L. trifolii
- L. huidobrensis
- L. sativae.
Regularly used in greenhouse situations growing ornamentals and vegetables.
Release Rates
Once Leafminer feeding marks are present, releases should be planned. It is best to release the Diglyphus when the first 2nd instar Leafminer Larvae are found.
Approximately 1 Diglyphus should be released per 10 sq. ft., weekly, for 2 weeks since the Leafminer pest has a short period of vulnerability.
Lifespan:
After an egg is laid, an adult Diglyphus will emerge from the leaf in about 3 weeks.
Strategic Considerations:
Many pesticides will have a negative effect on the development of Diglyphus. Avoid the use of systemic insecticides or pesticides with long residual action.
