Aphidoletes aphidimyza

Aphidoletes aphidimyza is a midge that has been introduced to control aphids since 1989, although they can also appear naturally in organically managed gardens.

Use for the following pests:

• For the control of all stages and all species of aphids.

Description

Small, orange-red oval shaped eggs are laid after mating, either next to or underneath aphids, due to their size, they are not detected in the aphid colony. Once hatched they start the search for aphids to prey on. the larvae inject a paralyzing toxin into the aphid which starts pre-digestion. The larvae sucks out the body fluid of the aphid, leaving just the skin behind.

When fully grown the larvae are able to jump from leaf to leaf. The larvae then pupate in the top layer of soil in a silk cocoon. Fully grown larvae are able to pupate over winter.

Once the adult emerges from the cocoon it will be able to fly around and reproduce once again.

Delivery

• The 100ml vial consists of 1000 pupae in wood fibre.

Application

• Peel the label from the bottle and attach to a horizontal branch.
  
• Place the bottle out of direct sunlight and rain.
• Do not sprinkle the contents out.
• The Midges will hatch over a period of 12 - 48 hours.
  

Are IPM's safe for the environment?