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Aphytis melinus

Aphytis melinus small parasitic wasp of mealybugs

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Description


Aphytis melinus, also called golden Chalcid, is a small yellow parasitic wasp, measuring 1.2 mm. Aphytis feeds on immature armoured scales (scale insects), but lays its eggs under virgin females.

To reproduce, the female Aphytis lays an egg under a virgin female scale. The larva develops by feeding on the pest (ectoparasite) and inevitably killing it at the end of its growth stage. It then transforms into a pupa inside the body. When it is ready to emerge, the young adult chews a small exit hole in the empty shell.

This minuscule wasp is very effective at controlling mild armoured scale infestations (Diaspididae). It has been successfully used against red scales (Aonidiella aurantii), yellow scales (Aonidiella citrina), San Jose scales (Quadraspidiotus perniciosus), apple mussel scales (Lepidosaphes ulmi) and false oleander scales (Pseudaulacaspis cokerelli).

Targeted crops



  • Indoor plants et indoor fruit trees

Targeted pests



  • Red scale (Aonidiella aurantii)
  • Yellow scale (Aonidiella citrina)
  • San Jose scale (Quadraspidiotus perniciosus)
  • Apple mussel scale (Lepidosaphes ulmi)
  • False oleander scale (Pseudaulacaspis cockerelli)

Life cycle


  • The Aphytis melinus life cycle is nearly 6 weeks.
  • Optimal conditions for development are temperatures between 24 °C and 29 °C, with 40-50% relative humidity.
  • The larval stage generally takes 18 days.
  • Adults live less than 1 month under optimal conditions.
  • Females lay eggs under the body of female armoured scales.
  • Females can lay 25 eggs in their lifetime, killing 5 to 25 pests.
  • dults feed on scale insects.

Format



Container

  • 50 000 pre-pupated adults

Introduction rate



Aphytis melinus
Introduction Quantity Surface Frequency Duration
Curative light 1 to 3 per m2 month as needed
Curative heavy 10 per m2 bi-weekly as needed

Targeted pest


Targeted production




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