Dicyphus hesperus for Thrips Control

Dicyphus hesperus

Reared in Canada

Target Pests

Thrips
Whitefly
Aphid

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

But the problem is that many biocontrol agents are specialized for a single pest, requiring multiple introductions to manage different infestations. This increases costs and complexity while leaving crops vulnerable to overlapping pest pressures.

At Crop Defenders, we know how frustrating that can be. Dicyphus hesperus is a generalist predator that feeds on thrips, aphids, and whiteflies, and that's why we offer Dicyphus hesperus, including Mullein Banker Plant systems sourced from trusted partners to Growers across Canada.

Packaging Options

Adults

Mullein Banker Plant System

Carrier Material Options

Paper strips (adults)

Physical Description

Dicyphus hesperus adults are 5–6 mm (0.2–0.24 inches) long, pale green with a darker thorax, and have long legs and antennae.

Eggs are 0.5 mm (0.02 inches) in size, oval-shaped, and translucent white when first laid, typically inserted into plant tissue.
Nymphs are 1–4 mm (0.04–0.16 inches) in length, pale green with dark red eyes, and develop through multiple instars before reaching adulthood.

Life Cycle

Dicyphus hesperus completes its life cycle within 21–30 days at 25°C (77°F).

Eggs hatch in approximately 6–10 days, depending on temperature.
The nymphal stage consists of five instars, lasting 14–20 days, during which the nymphs actively feed on thrips, aphids, and whiteflies.
Adults can live for up to 30–40 days, and adult females can lay up to 200–300 eggs throughout their lifespan.

Mode of Action

Dicyphus hesperus nymphs and adults use their piercing-sucking mouthparts to puncture prey and extract their internal fluids. Their active hunting behavior makes them highly effective against thrips, aphids, and whiteflies, especially in moderate to high pest populations. Unlike some specialized biocontrol agents, Dicyphus hesperus is an opportunistic predator that can also survive on plant-based food sources like pollen and nectar when prey is scarce. This adaptability allows it to establish and persist in greenhouse environments, providing long-term pest suppression.

Target Pests

Thrips Larvae & Adults including:

Western Flower Thrips Frankliniella occidentalis
Pepper Thrips Thrips parvispinus
Onion Thrips Thrips tabaci
Impatiens Thrips Echinothrips americanus

Aphids including

Potato Aphids Macrosiphum euphorbiae
Foxglove Aphids Aulacorthum solani
Green Peach Aphids Myzus persicae
Cotton-Melon Aphids Aphis gossypii
Strawberry Aphid Chaetosiphon fragaefolii
Chrysanthemum Aphid Macrosiphoniella sanborni

Whitefly Larvae including:

Greenhouse Whitefly Trialeurodes vaporariorum
Silverleaf Whitefly Bemisia tabaci