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Aphidoletes aphidimyza – aphid predator (2,000/ 10,000)Price range: $71.95 through $358.95 — or subscribe to save 5%
Aphidoletes for Aphid Control: A Fast, Natural Option for Outbreaks
If you’re looking for a powerful predator to knock down aphid outbreaks fast, Aphidoletes for aphid control might be your best ally. Aphidoletes aphidimyza, often called the aphid midge, is a specialist in eliminating over 60 species of aphids. While the adults resemble small mosquitoes and are harmless to humans, the real pest control happens in the larval stage. These bright orange, legless larvae glide across leaves, killing and feeding on aphids with impressive efficiency.
Aphidoletes aphidimyza is often called the aphid midge. This is because in their larval stage, they will kill and eat more than 60 species of aphids. The adults are small, mosquito-like flies, but are harmless to humans. The larvae are bright orange (sometimes reddish), legless maggots that scoot along the leaves of infested plants, killing and eating aphids. Larvae grow to about 3 mm in length. The eggs are oval, orange, and tiny, measuring 0.1 x 0.3 mm.
Life Cycle and Reproduction
After emerging from their pupal cases, adult females land on spider webs and wait to mate. Once mated, they lay around 250 eggs in aphid colonies. In greenhouses without spider webs, growers often create “love shacks” using stretched cotton to mimic the real thing. Research shows that actual spider webs yield better results, but both methods work.
Larvae paralyze aphids by biting their joints and injecting a toxin. They then suck out the body fluids. In dense aphid populations, they’ll often kill more aphids than they consume. Larvae live about a week before dropping into the soil to pupate. Pupation lasts one to two weeks. Adults live for two weeks, with most eggs laid in the first few days. Optimal performance occurs between 64–77°F with at least 70% humidity, though they can tolerate slightly cooler or warmer conditions.
Why Use Aphidoletes for Aphid Control?
One major advantage of Aphidoletes for aphid control is their broad diet. Unlike parasitoid wasps, these predators aren’t picky and will go after nearly any aphid species. They’re excellent at finding aphid colonies—even small ones. One study showed a female can find a single infested plant among 75 healthy ones. This makes them a strong choice for cleaning up widespread or hidden infestations.
They also work with banker plant systems, similar to Aphidius colemani. However, they consume banker plants quickly, so frequent replenishment is needed. Since a single larva only needs about seven aphids to develop, they’re effective even with smaller infestations.
Limitations and Things to Watch For
Aphidoletes do have a few drawbacks. They enter diapause—a suspended development stage—when day length drops below 12 hours or temperatures dip below 40°F. Since they require dusk to lay eggs, they don’t respond well to artificial lighting, which limits their use in fall and winter months.
They pupate in soil, making hydroponic systems a poor fit for establishing multiple generations. Some food crops, like lettuce, may also present issues if larvae pupate on the plant. Aphidoletes are highly sensitive to insecticides, so avoid applying chemicals where they’re active.
Scouting for Aphidoletes Activity
You may see adults flying at dusk or later in the evening. Females often gather on spider webs, sometimes with males flying nearby. Look under leaves for the bright orange larvae, which are easy to spot. Shrinking aphid numbers and the presence of shriveled, dry aphid bodies are also signs they’re doing their job.
Important Usage Advisories
Avoid using Aphidoletes when day length is under 12 hours unless using them as a one-time release. They can function in hydroponic setups but won’t establish. Avoid releasing them with Chrysoperla (green lacewings), as the larvae will eat Aphidoletes larvae. If ants are present, control them first—ants protect aphids in exchange for honeydew and can sabotage your biocontrol efforts.
Where to Use Aphidoletes for Aphid Control
Aphidoletes are suitable for greenhouses, gardens, orchards, and fields, as long as environmental conditions meet their needs. With the right setup, they’re one of the most effective tools for controlling large aphid populations naturally.
Release Rates for Aphidoletes aphidimyza
| Classification | Release Information |
|---|---|
| With aphid colonies present | 0.5 to 1 per square meter |
| Comments | Higher release rates will result in more rapid control. Regular releases are recommended for continuous control! |
Our Top Aphid Control Products
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Aphidoletes aphidimyza – aphid predator (2,000/ 10,000)Price range: $71.95 through $358.95 — or subscribe to save 5%