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Bugs for Bugs Chilocorus circumdatus
Bugs for Bugs Chilocorus circumdatus uses predatory ladybirds to help manage selected armoured scale insects. The beetles and their developing larvae feed on scale, making them useful where a pest's hard, waxy cover makes conventional control difficult. This species targets red scale, oriental scale, oleander scale and white louse scale, also known as citrus snow scale. Correct pest identification matters: Chilocorus does not feed on every armoured scale species.
The adult beetles search the plant for prey and lay their eggs beneath scale covers. Larvae hatch into the same feeding area, then develop through their growth stages before moving to sheltered sites to pupate. A successful introduction therefore brings both the feeding adults and the possibility of a following larval generation. Those larvae look quite different from the orange adults, so recognising both stages helps avoid overlooking useful predators during crop checks.
Chilocorus can be used in enclosed crops and outdoor settings. Early introduction gives the beetles an opportunity to establish before scale numbers become high. In indoor or nursery situations, follow-up releases can be made while scale remains present. Shelter from dust, wind, excessive heat and low humidity helps the insects settle into the crop. Strong lighting can draw adults away from the release area, which makes after-hours release worth considering in brightly lit interiors.
Monitoring is part of the treatment. Adults may disperse quickly and become hard to spot, while larvae take time to appear. Ants defending scale infestations can interfere with the predators, and sleeve cages can help establish and observe a local breeding population. Recent sprays are another important check: some insecticides and growth regulators remain highly disruptive. Release the beetles onto foliage close to correctly identified scale, then keep checking both pest levels and the development of the next predator generation.
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: Chilocorus circumdatus, dorsal specimen photograph, Fig.10a - Li,W., Huo,L., Wang,D., Ahrens,D. & Wang,X. (2018), European Journal of Taxonomy469:1-34, doi:10.5852/ejt.2018.469. CC BY3.0. Cropped to dorsal panel a; panel label and source scale marker removed; source; CC BY3.0 (explicit original paper licence). Background removed and resized.
Ladybirds that hunt red scale and other armoured scales!
Targets Armoured Scale
Feeds on selected hard-covered scale insect pests
Builds Predator Numbers
Adults lay eggs close to their prey
Supports Local Establishment
Sleeve cages help observe developing beetle populations
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Bugs for Bugs Chilocorus circumdatus
Key Highlights
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Key Highlights
- Predatory ladybird for selected armoured scales
- Targets red, oriental and oleander scale
- Also targets citrus snow scale
- Suitable for enclosed and outdoor crops
- Adult beetles supplied with transit food
Directions for Use
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Directions for Use
Application Rate
- Protected crops: 1 - 10 beetles per 10 m² per release; make 2 - 3 releases at 3 - 6 week intervals.
- Orchards: at least 1,000 beetles per hectare per release, repeated as required at 2 - 3 week intervals.
Application
- Confirm that the scale species is a suitable target, and introduce beetles at the first sign of pest activity.
- Gently tap the adult beetles from the container onto foliage close to scale infestations.
- Monitor for establishment and feeding larvae, and make top-up releases where scale remains heavy.
- Rates are guides and depend on the crop and pest pressure.
- Sleeve cages can help establish a local breeding population.
- Reduce wind, dust and disruptive ant activity.
- Avoid releasing near lights that may draw adults away; in brightly lit interiors, release after hours where practical.
Safety
Check pesticide history before release. Allow at least 4 weeks after organophosphate, carbamate or synthetic pyrethroid insecticides.
Prevent pesticide drift. Some insect growth regulators are harmful; pyriproxyfen can remain particularly toxic to Chilocorus populations for a long time.
Release promptly on arrival. If adverse weather prevents release, keep the beetles for a couple of days in a dark room at about 10 - 18 °C and add honey to the breathable black cloth.
Beneficial Profile
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- Scientific Name: Chilocorus circumdatus
- Beneficial Type: Predatory Beetles
- Supplied Life Stage: Adult beetles
- Pack Content: 50 adult beetles
- Target Group: Selected armoured scale insects
- Product Code: CC-1
- Suitable Environments: Enclosed and outdoor crops
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: 50 Adult Beetles
