LEPTOMASTIX DACTYLOPII is a parasitoid used in biological control of the bigger stages of citrus mealybug. The product is especially applicable in greenhouses and other indoor environments. Adult parasitoids are available per 25 or 100 in a 40 or 60 ml jar with shredded paper. This product is available for business customers only.
LEPTOMASTIX DACTYLOPII is a relatively large parasitoid with kinked antennae. The parasitoid is great at finding mealybugs over longer distances. They drink water or honeydew to keep themselves alive.
How does LEPTOMASTIX DACTYLOPII work?
This parasitoid is specialized in parasitizing citrus mealybug and will not accept other mealybug species as a host. Females prefer bigger host stages for parasitization. The young parasitoid develops within the mealybug; which causes the mealybug to die. After about three weeks; the mealybug will change into a hard; yellow-orange mummy which can be easily spotted in the plants. After a week the young parasitoid emerges from the mummy and will immediately start looking for a host. Adult parasitoids puncture small stages of mealybug and suck up their contents. This is also called host feeding. Host feeding causes further decrease of the pest population.
How to combine LEPTOMASTIX DACTYLOPII
LEPTOMASTIX DACTYLOPII is great in combination with LEPTOMASTIDEA ABNORMIS; a parasitoid that prefers the smaller stages of citrus mealybug. If the mealybugs occur in high densities; it is a good idea to release CRYPTOLAEMUS MONTROUZIERI. This predatory beetle is very efficient under high density of mealybugs.
March - August(long day length)
T = 20 - 35°C, T optimum = 25°C
RH = 50 - 80%
indoor garden, ornamental production
Heavy infestation: 5-10 per m².
Mild infestation: 2-3 per m²
Repeat at least two times with 2-3 weeks in between.
Use this product directly after receiving it.
Handle with care and do not shake.
Open the small jar near the pest, either under or in the plant.
The parasitoids will leave the small jar to look for the pest.
