Aphidoletes aphidimyza, the aphid Predatory Midge is a voracious native predators of over 60 species of aphids. Adults are small and delicate midges (2-3 mm). They are difficult to see as they are most active in the evening. Eggs are orange and oval. They are less than 0,3 mm. Larvae has orange, legless maggots, up to 3 mm long. They feed by biting aphids and paralyzing them with a toxin before sucking out the aphid body fluids. They kill 3-50 aphids per day.
Aphidoletes aphidimyza are used to control aphids indoors in commercial greenhouses and interior plantscapes as well as outdoors in orchards, shade trees, roses and home gardens.
Aphid predatory Midge responds to cool temperature and shortening day lengths (less than 12-14 hrs) by entering diapause (like a hibernation state), there in most greenhouse they are only active from March to September unless supplemental lighting is used.
Aphidoletes aphidimyza is produced in Canada by Applied-Bionomics.
A tray containing pupae ofAphidoletes aphidimyza on perlite.
Introduction | Quantity | Surface | Frequency | Duration |
---|---|---|---|---|
Preventive | 0,25-0,50 | per m2 | weekly | 3 introductions in total |
Curative | 1 | per m2 | weekly | until establishment |
Hot spot | 100-1000 | per m2 | weekly | until establishment |
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