Aphidoletes aphidimyza for Aphid Control

Aphidoletes aphidimyza

Locally Packaged in Ontario, Canada

Target Pests

Aphid

Most Growers want to prevent production losses from aphid outbreaks, while staying within budget.

But the problem is aphids often reproduce rapidly, overwhelming many crop protection programs and damaging crops before they can be effectively controlled.

At Crop Defenders, we know how frustrating that can be. That's why we locally package Aphidoletes aphidimyza in Ontario, Canada and provide expedited shipping or direct delivery to Growers across Canada and the United States.

Packaging Options

Loose Product Options

10,000
1,000

Carrier Material Options

Vermiculite
Sawdust

Physical Description

Aphidoletes aphidimyza, also known as the Aphid midge, is a native fly in the Cecidomyiidae family. The adult

Eggs are oval, bright orange in color and measure less than 0.3 mm (0.01 inches).
Adults resemble a small gnat, measuring 2-3 mm (0.08-0.1 inches) and has long legs.
The larva resembles a small maggot, measuring 2-3 mm (0.08-0.1 inches). It is bright orange to red, depending on its diet. The larva has powerful mouthparts that allow it to grab its prey.

Life Cycle

Aphidoletes aphidimyza will complete its life cycle within 24 days at 21-25°C (70-77ºF), and requires a minimum of 16 hours of light. Females lay 150-200 eggs during their lifetime.

Eggs hatch after 2-3 days.
The larval stage lasts between 7-10 days, and larvae can consume 3-50 aphids per day.
Pupation occurs on the ground or in growing media, and adults emerge after 2-3 weeks.

Mode of Action

Aphidoletes aphidimyza are capable of quickly locating aphid-infested plants, facilitating the rapid establishment of midge populations within the crop. Since eggs are generally laid in the close proximity of aphid colonies, finding prey for the newly hatched larvae is normally not difficult. When Aphidoletes aphidimyza larvae attacks an aphid, it injects a paralyzing toxin that also starts pre-digestion of the body contents. The larva then sucks out the body fluids, leaving the dead aphid to turn brown or black, and eventually decay.

Target Pests

Aphids specifically

Potato Aphids Macrosiphum euphorbiae
Foxglove Aphids Aulacorthum solani
Green Peach Aphids Myzus persicae
Cotton-Melon Aphids Aphis gossypii
Rose Aphids Macrosiphum rosae

Rates

Schedule a Call with our Technical Consultants for guidance on rates and strategies tailored to your crops and needs.

Ideal Greenhouse Conditions

Aphidoletes aphidimyza is most effective at temperatures between 20-30ºC (68-86 ºF) and relative humidity levels between 60-80%. As they are active at night, it is crucial to keep night-time temperatures above 12°C (61°F).

Application

Release Aphidoletes aphidimyza adults at dusk.
Open the container to allow adults to disperse and hunt for aphid hotspots.