RHYZOBIUS LOPHANTHAE is a small predatory beetle for the biological control of different armored scale species in greenhouses. The product is especially applicable in greenhouses and other indoor environments, but can also be applied outdoors during summer. The adult beetles are available in units of 25 or 100 beetles (business). Private customers can order units of 25 beetles. The product is packaged in a 40 ml jar with shredded paper.
RHYZOBIUSLOPHANTHAE is a small predatory beetle for the biological control of different armored scale species. This little dark-brown beetle is about 2 mm big and hairs cover its whole body. Application of this product is mainly in greenhouses; but during summer time it may also be applied outdoors.
How does RHYZOBIUS LOPHANTHAE work?
The predatory beetle eats different kinds of armoured scale. When an armored scale is eaten; an irregular hole appears on the edge of the scale cover. While the living part of the armored scale is eaten; the scale cover itself stays behind on the plant. This is dead material and after a while the gnawed scale cover will drop off from the plant.
The larvae eat the smaller stages of the armored scale. The adult beetles will eat all stages of armored scale.
How to combine RHYZOBIUS LOPHANTHAE
It is recommended to combine RHYZOBIUS LOPHANTHAE with the parasitoids APHYTIS MELINUS and ENCARSIA CITRINA. The parasitoids are excellent searchers and find individual armored scales to parasitize. The predatory beetles are very efficient under high densities of armored scales. As soon as the temperature exceeds 22 ºC; the predatory beetle CHILOCORUS NIGRITUS can be combined with RHYZOBIUS LOPHANTHAE. CHILOCORUS NIGRITUS handles armored scales with a harder scale cover better.
greenhouses: March - September, outdoors: July - August
Hobby greenhouse:1 jar for 2-3 plants, possibly repeat onceFloriculture:Release at high pest densities,Heavy infestation: 3-5 per m².Repeat several times every 2-3 weeks.
Open the jar near the pest.
Distribute the shredded paper with the beetles over the plants.
Leave the jar opened near the plant so the remaining beetles can leave the jar.
The beetles will immediately start looking for prey.
