Aphelinus abdominalis, 250 Mummies

Ships via Overnight methods on Tuesdays Only. Minimum 7-day lead time prior to shipment. For Delivery Only. Not available in store.

Not the best of fliers, these parasitic wasps nevertheless manage to hunt down and destroy significant numbers of aphids. Aphelinus abdominalis aphid parasites not only lay eggs in aphid nymphs, they also eat those that they don't parasitize. This secondary method of killing increases the effectiveness of A. abdominalis when used for aphid control and provides females with additional protein to develop more eggs. This results in increased aphid mortality and more wasp offspring. Use in conjunction with a generalist predator like Green Lacewing or the Minute Pirate Bug.

When the egg hatches into larvae inside the aphid nymph, the aphid swells and hardens into a leathery, grey or brown colored mummy. A. abdominalis are shipped to you in this stage; simply apply the parasites to foliage where aphid infestations are present. Once mature, the adult aphid parasites chew a hole in the back of the mummy and emerge. This species has a relatively long life (several weeks) and is better able to handle high temperatures than the Aphidius species.

Optimal Conditions: 70°-77°, 60-80% relative humidity

Release Rates:

• Preventative – 2-5 per 100 square feet, weekly
• Curative – 10-25 per 100 square feet, weekly