Page Intro: Orius insidiosus, also called the insidious flower bug, is an aggressive thrips predator that may also consume some other pests. On this page you will find a description, life-cycle info, benefits, drawbacks, scouting info, advisories, usages, and other good stuff such as ordering.
Description
By far, the most effective thrips predator in some cases is the true bug, Orius insidiosus. These little dynamos are capable of cleaning up large infestations of pests. And, in the right conditions, maintaining the newly cleaned site. In addition to thrips (all the species listed under Neoseiulus cucumeris’ Description), these predators like small larvae (caterpillars, etc.), an array of insect eggs, and a host of other organisms including aphids, mites, whiteflies, etc. O. insidiosus acts as a “general” predator. This is common among “true bugs.” True bugs tend to be thorough at whatever they do. In the case of these predators, they can thoroughly clean house. With few exceptions, I do not recommend using these bugs for the control of other pests, unless it is for the sake of experimentation. I believe control of other pests might not be satisfactorily obtainable with typical O. insidiosus releases. Coincidental cross-predation should be regarded as a bonus of the application and nothing more. Moreover, these predators should still be used with Hypoaspis miles as a supplemental thrips control. After all, thrips deserve only the very best. Insidious flower bugs are supplied as adults with some nymphs present, or as nymphs alone. Both the adults and nymphs behave as predators, though the nymphs cannot fly as can the adults. They are supplied in a bottle containing a mixture of mostly buckwheat hulls with a little vermiculite and some nonviable eggs of the moth Ephestia kuehniella as a temporary food source. [Intro]
Life-style
The midsize 2.5 mm. adult female bugs lay eggs in plant tissue — up to 100 of them! The nymphs which hatch may taste the plant, but will cause no noticeable damage. By the time the nymphs reach their second instar (growth stage), they are ready for meat. O. insidiosus, like other predatory true bugs, attack their prey with a needle-sharp proboscis through which pre-digestive enzymes are slowly exchanged for the bodily fluids of the prey. The proboscis is a sharp, straw-like mouthpart. It is certainly a weapon to be respected. The life-span of these predators is about 2 weeks in their immature stages, then 3-4 weeks as adults. The conditions for optimum performance will be between 62-84°F with a relative humidity of 60-85%. But these are optimum conditions, and not necessarily a prerequisite of successful implementation. Please note, however, cooler temperatures will hamper reproduction and development a certain degree. [Intro]
Benefits
Being a thrips vacuum cleaner is not a bad trait of these predators. They are active searchers and flyers (adults only) and can really kick some bug butt. Just looking at them and seeing their fierceness is enough to instill confidence. O. insidiosus can be establish themselves at a site if their needs are addressed. This can be economical. Simple amenities such as prey and pollen, upon which they can also feed, need to be available (see Advisories). [Intro]
Drawbacks
Another drawback, but one hardly worth mentioning, is that these bugs, like the Chrysoperla spp. (lacewings), these guys can deliver a painful little bite (to people and each other). This is not to scare you. It’s insignificant compared to the benefits. And never have I had negative feedback regarding this slight drawback. Like Aphidoletes aphidimyza (aphid midge), O. insidiosus undergo diapause (a quiescent state, hibernation) when the photoperiod is less than 10 hours (D) so long as temperatures are maintained at 73°F. If temperatures are going to be less, photoperiod should be held at 14 hours (D). [Intro]
Scouting
I suggest simply monitoring the thrips levels. This is still the easiest, most effective option. Monitoring thrips levels can be done two different ways: blue or yellow sticky traps and/or “the paper method” (discussed under Scouting How-To). Adults can be found if the scout exercises perseverance. Try looking in the flowers when the they may be seen eating thrips or pollen (see Advisories, next). [Intro]
Advisories
To counteract the natural urge for these predators to undergo diapause you must: 1) keep the temperature above 73°F, 2) keep temperatures above 50°F, but provide supplemental lighting during the appropriate time of year. A 60 watt bulb for every 60 foot radius may do the trick. I know that blue spectrum lighting (cool-white florescent) will do the trick. These predators are a little more difficult to fool than A. aphidimyza, though. Bear in mind, also, most organisms, regardless of nature, will normally slow down a degree in the winter months. Flowering, pollen producing plants are a big plus. The use of trap- and/or banker-crops is highly recommended. [Intro]
Usages
O. insidiosus are useful in greenhouses, fields, interiorscapes, orchards and gardens. We recommend the successful implementation of these species in nearly every conceivable situation. [Intro]
Rates, Instructions, and Purchase
Need more information? Check out our release rates or our short-term storage, handling, and release instructions. You may also purchase O. insidiosus online. [Intro]
