Delphastus catalinae - Whitefly Control

LIVE DELIVERY GUARANTEE Great choice for active infestations due to its high consumption rate.  TARGET PESTS Most Whitefly species including Greenhouse, Banded-Winged, Sweet Potato, Silverleaf, Woolly, Azalea, Hibiscus, Citrus, Rhododendron, & more. Also preys on Citrus Blackfly, Spider Mites, Aphids, & more when Whiteflies are scarce. DESCRIPTION Scientific Name: Delphastus catalinae DELPHASTUS are commonly known as the whitefly predator beetle. They are a species of lady beetle known for targeting whiteflies and other small arthropods when whitefly prey are scarce. DELPHASTUS adhere to the classic dome-shape body of lady beetles but they are somewhat more oval. Adults measure about 1.5mm in length with brown or black wing covers that can take on a shiny metallic appearance. Females may exhibit a reddish-yellow head and appear lighter in color compared to males. Adults will avoid feeding on whitefly nymphs that have been parasitized by its predatory companion Encarsia formosa. The lifecycle begins with the female laying small, elongated eggs on the undersides of leaves near whitefly colonies. Within 2-3 days the eggs hatch into larvae that emerge fully mobile with a voracious appetite for whitefly eggs, nymphs, and pupae. After 10-14 days of feeding, the larvae pupate for about 4-7 days and emerge as hungry adults feeding on whitefly eggs, nymphs, and adults. Females can lay several hundred eggs over a 2-month lifespan.Delphastus is a native, small 1/15th inch, black/ brown beetle in the lady beetle family. During their approx. 30 day life cycle females can lay up to 4 eggs per day.  In order to lay eggs the female must consume at least 100 whitefly eggs a day. Larva and pupa stages take approx. 6 days each. Larvae are cream colored, alligator like insects. Research has found that each beetle can eat up to 10,000 whitefly eggs. INTRODUCTION RATES 1-5 beetles per 10 sq. ft., weekly, 3-4 times. STORAGE For best results introduce immediately. Store at 50-55°F for no longer than 18 hours. PRO TIPS Delphastus does not enter diapause/hibernation during the fall and winter, therefore they can be used indoors or outdoors all year long. Other whitefly predators such as; Encarsia formosa and Eretmocerus eremicus will co-exist with Delphastus beetle and help expedite control.   ITEM NUMBERS DEL-50: 50 beetles per bottle. DEL-100: 100 beetles per bottle. DEL-1K: 1,000 beetles per bottle.