Aphelinus abdominalis for Aphid Control

Aphelinus abdominalis

Locally Packaged in Ontario, Canada

Target Pests

Aphid

Most Growers want to prevent production losses from aphid outbreaks, while staying within budget.

But the problem is aphids often reproduce rapidly, overwhelming many crop protection programs and damaging crops before they can be effectively controlled.

At Crop Defenders, we know how frustrating that can be. That's why we locally package Aphelinus abdominalis in Ontario, Canada and provide expedited shipping or direct delivery to Growers across Canada and the United States.

Packaging Options

Loose Product Options

1,000
500

Carrier Material Options

Buckwheat hulls
No carrier

Physical Description

Adult Aphelinus abdominalis are 2.5-3 mm (0.1 inches) in length, with short legs and short antennae. Females have a black thorax and yellow abdomen. Males are slightly smaller and their abdomen is a slightly darker colour. Adult wasps prefer to walk rather than fly, and will jump if irritated.

A parasitized aphid hardens to become a leathery, black mummy. The adult wasp appears through an irregularly serrated hole at the posterior end of the mummy, on which the aphid’s antennae and cornicles can still be recognized.
The mummy can be distinguished from the mummies of Aphidius species by their elongated form and their black colour.

Life Cycle

Aphelinus abdominalis will complete its life cycle within 21 days at 21.5°C (70.7°F).

Eggs hatch after 1-2 days in the aphid host, following oviposition.
The larva develops inside the aphid for 7-10 days, consuming its internal tissues.
During the pupal stage, the aphid mummifies turning black, and adults emerge after 6-10 days.

Mode of Action

When a female Aphelinus abdominalis detects an aphid, she will examine it briefly with the tips of the antennae. Larger aphids will be parasitized, as the female turns herself around, curls up the wing tips, and will try to pierce the aphid in the abdomen with her long ovipositor. Smaller aphids will be subject to host feeding, where the adult wasp pierces the aphid with her ovipositor, and sucks out the internal contents without ovipositing an egg.

Target Pests

Aphids specifically

Potato Aphids Macrosiphum euphorbiae
Foxglove Aphids Aulacorthum solani
Green Peach Aphids Myzus persicae
Cotton-Melon Aphids Aphis gossypii

Rates

Schedule a Call with our Technical Consultants for guidance on rates and strategies tailored to your crops and needs.

Ideal Greenhouse Conditions

Aphelinus abdominalis is most effective at temperatures between 15-35°C (59-95°F) and 60-80% relative humidity.

Application

Release mummies near aphid hotspots, because Aphelinus abdominalis are not very mobile
Spread contents on the canopy or in distribution boxes, out of direct sunlight
Make sure the contents remain dry at the application site for the first few days