A cylindrical container labeled "Rhyzobius lophanthae" features usage instructions, biological control tips for armored scale pests, fgmn nursery contact info, and a green leaf graphic on the label.
Specialist · Scale

Rhyzobius lophanthae

$65.00

1 review
While uncommon, order processing can take up to 7 days depending on hatching rates and life stages.
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Rhyzobius lophanthae

At A Glance

Rhyzobius lophanthae is a specialized, small black ladybird beetle that serves as the premier biological control for Armored Scale. Unlike many other predators that only target the "crawler" stage, Rhyzobius is a powerhouse that feeds on all life stages of scale—including the tough, adult armored shells. If you are struggling with persistent scale on woody stems or tropical leaves, this beetle is your most effective natural solution.

  • Scientific Name: Rhyzobius lophanthae (formerly Lindorus lophanthae)

  • Primary Target: Armored Scale & Soft Scale

  • Secondary Targets: Mealybugs, Whitefly larvae, and various Aphids.

  • Key Advantage: Both the adults and the larvae are active hunters that can pierce through the protective "armor" of adult scale insects.
Target Pests

Rhyzobius is an aggressive generalist within the scale family, making it ideal for mixed infestations:

  • Armored Scale: Including Oleander Scale, San Jose Scale, and Cactus Scale.
  • Soft Scale: Including Black Scale and Brown Soft Scale.
  • Mealybugs: Will opportunistically feed on various mealybug species if scale populations are low.
Environmental Needs

To ensure these beetles establish a colony and begin breeding in your garden, maintain the following conditions:

  • Temperature Range: 65F to 85F. They are most active and reproductive when temperatures remain consistent.
  • Humidity: Performs best at 60% RH or higher. In very dry environments, the beetles may become less active or fail to reproduce.
  • Habitat: They prefer dense foliage or plants with significant "branching" where scale insects typically congregate.
Selection Guide

Rhyzobius vs. Aphytis Wasps: Aphytis wasps are great for low-level prevention, but they are easily overwhelmed. Choose Rhyzobius for active outbreaks because the beetles eat significantly more pests per day.

Total Coverage: Because Rhyzobius can fly as adults and crawl as larvae, they provide 360-degree coverage of the plant. Choose Rhyzobius for large indoor trees or dense greenhouse benches.

Persistence: Once established, Rhyzobius can survive for long periods in a greenhouse as long as a small food source remains. It is a "permanent" solution compared to short-lived parasitic wasps.
How to Use

1. Evening Release
Like most flying beneficials, release Rhyzobius in the evening or during a low-light period. This encourages them to settle on the plants rather than flying toward the nearest light source or window.

2. Direct Placement
Do not simply "scatter" the beetles. Open the container and place it directly at the base of the most heavily infested plant, or use a small brush to move them onto "hot spots" of scale.

3. Dosing Rates

  • Preventative: 1 to 2 beetles per 10 sq. ft.
  • Active Infestation: 5 to 10 beetles per infested plant. For large trees or heavy scale crusts, higher densities may be required for a rapid knockdown.
How They're Shipped

Release IMMEDIATELY: These beetles are highly active and have a high metabolism. For the best results, release them the same day they are delivered.

Storage: If you must wait, keep the container in a cool, dark place (55F to 60F) for no more than 12 hours. Do not refrigerate.

Visibility: Unlike mites, Rhyzobius are visible beetles (about 2mm long). They are dark, slightly hairy, and very fast. You will easily see them moving when you open the container.

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FAQ

What is your Live Delivery Guarantee?

We guarantee that your beneficial insects will arrive healthy and ready to work. Because we are shipping live organisms, we use packaging and expedited shipping to ensure their safety. In the rare event that your order is compromised during transit, please take a photo of the package and contact us within 24 hours of delivery so we can make it right.
How long does it take to see results?

Scale is a slow-moving pest, and biological control takes time. You should see a reduction in "live" scale (the shells will become dry and flaky) within 2 to 4 weeks.
Can I use this with Neem Oil?

No. Any oil-based spray will coat the beetles and kill them.

Will they fly away?

If there is an abundance of food (scale), they will stay. Once the food source is gone, the adults will fly to find new colonies.
Do the larvae look like the adults?

No. The larvae look like tiny, greyish, "scruffy" alligators. Do not remove them! They are often more aggressive hunters than the adults.
Is this safe for indoor plants?

Yes. They are harmless to humans, pets, and furniture. They only care about eating scale.
Can I use them with Aphytis wasps?

Yes. This is a common "dual-attack" strategy. The wasps parasitize the young, while the beetles eat the adults.
Help! I'm overwhelmed

Yeah, it's a lot the first time you're using predatory mites. Please email us at info@fgmnnursery.com and we'll be happy to help!

I don’t see anything moving in my bottle or sachet. Does that mean they’re dead?

Not at all! In fact, go ahead and deploy them.

Predatory mites are microscopic (often less than 0.5mm) and naturally blend into their carrier medium (bran or vermiculite).

  • For Bottles: The mites often huddle in the center of the bottle for insulation during transit.
  • For Sachets: These are "slow-release" nurseries. The mites stay tucked deep inside the breeding media and emerge one by one over 2–4 weeks. Seeing an "empty-looking" sachet or bottle is not proof of a loss; it is simply how they are packaged for maximum survival.

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