CRYPTANUSIA AUREISCUTELLUM - 25

What is CRYPTANUSIA AUREISCUTELLUM?

CRYPTANUSIA AUREISCUTELLUM is a parasitoid that can be used for the biological control of long-tailed mealybug. The wasp has a very specific taste: it only parasitizes long-tailed mealybug and is ineffective against othe rmealybug species. The females are black and have remarkably large antennae that move from left to right in search of a host. While males are also black; they have normal-sized antennae.

How does CRYPTANUSIA AUREISCUTELLUM work?

Females prefer to deposit their eggs in smaller host stages. She lays a single egg per host. After parasitization; the mealybug swells; becomes darker and turns into a so-called mummy. These mummies are a sign that the parasitoids have been active. However; the mummies are rather difficult to locate; since they often drop from the plants. About a week later; a young parasitoid emerges from a hole in the mummy. Adult parasitoids also feed on young mealybugs. This is called host feeding and contributes to the decline in pest population. The parasitoids can easily establish in the crop and can stay alive for weeks if they can feed on honeydew.

How to combine CRYPTANUSIA AUREISCUTELLUM?

CRYPTANUSIA AUREISCUTELLUM parasitizes the small stages of long-tailed mealybug. It is great in combination with ANAGYRUS FUSCIVENTRIS; a parasitoid that prefers to parasitize larger stages of long-tailed mealybugs. If the mealybugs occur in hot spots; it is recommended to release CRYPTOLAEMUS MONTROUZIERI larvae. While these predatory beetle larvae are not great searchers; they are very effective controllers of mealybug hot spots.

Release the parasitoids at hot spotsUse 2-4 per m²Repeat at least three times

• 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.