Aphidoletes aphidimyza

A critical advantage of Aphidoletes aphidimyza is its lack of "pickiness." While parasitic wasps like Aphidius ervi or matricariae are specialists, Aphidoletes provides broad-spectrum coverage for diverse collections and is an aggressive generalist predator that targets and feeds on over 60 different species of aphids. Common targets include:

• Green Peach Aphid (Myzus persicae)
• Melon / Cotton Aphid (Aphis gossypii)
• Potato Aphid (Macrosiphum euphorbiae)
• Cabbage Aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae)
• Foxglove Aphid (Aulacorthum solani)
• Cannabis / Hemp Aphid (Phorodon cannabis)
• Rose Aphid (Macrosiphum rosae)

Because it is a generalist, it is the ideal choice when you have multiple aphid species present or are unable to positively identify the specific pest.

To ensure the midges successfully hatch and hunt, maintain these conditions:

• Temperature: Performs best between 20°C – 26°C (68°F – 79°F). Activity slows down significantly in temperatures below 15°C (59°F).
• Humidity: High humidity is critical (70% or higher) to prevent the pupae and larvae from drying out.
• Light/Diapause: These midges are sensitive to day length. If days are shorter than 15 hours (common in winter), they may enter "diapause" (hibernation). Supplemental lighting is recommended for year-round indoor use.

Understanding when to use Aphidoletes versus Aphidius wasps is key to a successful biocontrol program:

• Choose Aphidoletes aphidimyza if: You have a moderate to heavy infestation or multiple aphid species at once. Because the larvae are aggressive "bulk feeders," they provide faster knockdown than parasitic wasps alone.
• Choose Aphidius (Ervi or Matricariae) if: You are looking for a highly specific "search and destroy" specialist for low-level infestations or specific large/small aphid species.
• The "Power Duo": Professional growers often release Aphidoletes alongside Aphidius wasps. The wasps find the hidden aphids, while the Aphidoletes larvae clear out the dense colonies.

1. Release Timing: Best released at dusk or under low light, as adults are nocturnal and will begin searching for egg-laying sites immediately.
2. Application: Do not sprinkle the pupae directly onto dry soil. Instead, place the open bottle (or small piles of the carrier) in Release Boxes or on top of moist rockwool/soil in shaded areas near the base of infested plants.
3. Moisture: Keep the release area slightly damp to assist with emergence.
4. Ant Control: As with all aphid biocontrols, control ants first. Ants will kill Aphidoletes larvae to protect their aphid "livestock."

• Priority Handling: To ensure maximum viability, all beneficials are shipped via Overnight Express.
• Temperature Controlled: Depending on your temperature, orders may be packed in insulated containers with specialized temperature-regulating packs to maintain a stable environment during transit.
• Immediate Deployment: These are living organisms with high metabolic needs. We strongly recommend releasing them on the day of arrival for the highest success rate.
• Short-Term Storage: If a delay is unavoidable, store the bottle in a cool, dark place at 4°C – 10°C (40°F – 50°F) for no more than 48 hours.

No. Adults feed only on nectar and honeydew, and larvae feed only on aphids. They are completely harmless to humans and pets.

Look for tiny, bright orange or reddish "maggot-like" larvae crawling among the aphid colonies. They are small but very easy to spot against green leaves.

Adult Aphidoletes are nocturnal. Releasing them at dusk reduces stress and allows them to begin mating and egg-laying in their most active window.

Yes, but they require supplemental lighting. If the "daylight" is less than 15 hours, the larvae will go into the soil to hibernate rather than hunting.

You should see the orange larvae within 3–7 days of release. A significant reduction in the aphid population usually occurs within 2 weeks.

If you have a greenhouse with natural soil floors, they may pupate in the soil and return. In indoor grow tents or pots, they usually require re-release every 2–4 weeks during an active infestation.