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Bugs for Bugs Aphidius colemani
Bugs for Bugs Aphidius colemani brings a searching natural enemy into crops affected by green peach aphid and cotton aphid. These small parasitoid wasps are especially useful when aphids are only beginning to appear, because the females can find scattered colonies before a heavy infestation develops. They can be introduced preventatively or at the first signs of activity in greenhouse and open-field crops that host susceptible aphids, including vegetables, fruit crops, ornamentals and nursery plants.
A female locates aphids using the scent of infested plants and their honeydew, then places an egg inside a suitable host. The developing wasp feeds within the aphid, eventually killing it and leaving a swollen bronze or gold 'mummy'. An adult wasp later emerges from this mummy and continues the cycle. Both adult and juvenile aphids can be parasitised. This makes Aphidius a different tool from a predator that simply eats the aphids it encounters: a successful introduction can produce further generations within the crop.
Good establishment depends on the environment around the plants. Well-developed foliage, regular irrigation and protection from dust give these tiny wasps a better start. Ant activity also deserves attention, as ants defending aphid colonies can interfere with the wasps. Regular crop inspections and sticky traps help track the pest population while the parasitoids establish. Adult wasps can be difficult to see, so the appearance of aphid mummies is a more practical sign to look for.
The pack contains pupae, with adults beginning to emerge during transit or soon after arrival. Release is timed to that emergence, rather than to a fixed storage period. For dense aphid hotspots, lacewings or spotted ladybirds can complement the early, preventative role of Aphidius. Check the crop's pesticide history before introducing any of these beneficials, because harmful residues can persist after a spray has dried.
NOTE: These are living insects with a short shelf life, so we don't hold them in store. Your order ships fresh, direct from the breeder.
Species image credits: Aphidius colemani - Laura Sorrensen / PxHere, CC0 1.0. Source: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1453109. source; CC0 1.0. Cropped to square and resized.
Tiny wasps that track down aphid colonies before they take off!
Finds Small Colonies
Searches for aphids at low population densities
Supports Early Control
Fits preventative and early aphid management programmes
Continues The Cycle
New wasps emerge from successfully parasitised aphids
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Bugs for Bugs Aphidius colemani
Key Highlights
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Key Highlights
- Targets green peach aphid and cotton aphid
- Parasitises adult and juvenile aphids
- Suitable for greenhouse and open-field production
- Supplied as pupae rather than a sprayed treatment
- Compatible with a broader biological aphid programme
Directions for Use
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Directions for Use
Application Rate
- Preventative aphid management: 0.25 wasps per m² per release, repeated as required at 1 - 2 week intervals.
- Curative aphid management: 0.5 - 2 wasps per m² per release, with at least 3 releases at 1 week intervals.
Application
- Introduce preventatively or at the first detection of aphids, using sticky traps and regular crop inspections to time the release.
- When adult activity is visible, open the tub within the area to be treated and allow the wasps to fly out.
- Tap the remaining mummies onto foliage at several release points, or place them in release boxes hanging on the plants. Concentrate releases near hotspots.
- Keep the mummies dry, off soil or growing medium, and undisturbed for at least a few days.
- Look for aphid mummies on leaves 10 - 14 days after the first release; an emergence hole shows that an adult wasp has left the mummy.
- Rates are guides; the crop and infestation level affect the programme.
- Reduce disruptive ant activity and protect the crop from pesticide drift and dust.
Safety
Check prior chemical applications and pesticide side-effects before release. Synthetic pyrethroids, organophosphates and neonicotinoids can leave harmful residues for many weeks.
Release as soon as possible after adult activity is detected. If necessary, keep the closed container for a couple of days at 6 - 12 °C.
Beneficial Profile
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- Scientific Name: Aphidius colemani
- Beneficial Type: Parasitoid Wasps
- Target Pests: Green peach aphid; Cotton aphid
- Supplied Life Stage: Pupae; adults emerge in transit or after arrival
- Pack Content: 500 pupae
- Optimal Crop Conditions: 18 - 25 °C; 60 - 80% relative humidity
- Activity: Active from 15 °C
- Product Code: AC
- Suitable Environments: Greenhouse and open-field production
Resources
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Resources
Shipping & Returns
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Shipping & Returns
Check delivery options for the currently selected item and quantity.
Estimate is for this item and quantity only. Final whole-order freight is confirmed at checkout.
We have a 30-day return policy, which means you have 30 days after receiving your item to request a return.
To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unused, with tags, and in its original packaging. You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase.
To start a return, you can contact us at info@hydrooasis.com.au
If your return is accepted, we’ll send you a return shipping label, as well as instructions on how and where to send your package. Items sent back to us without first requesting a return will not be accepted.
You can always contact us for any return question at info@hydrooasis.com.au.
Size: 500 Wasp Pupae
