RODOLIA CARDINALIS is a predatory beetle used for the biological control of Icerya. It is specialized for the control of Icerya and does not consume other pest species. RODOLIA CARDINALIS is mostly applied indoors, such as in greenhouses, but can also be released outdoors during summer. This predatory beetle established itself easily, but is sensitive for (residues of) pesticides.
The adult beetles are available per 10 (private and business customers) or per 25 (business customers). They are packaged in a paper bag with paper shreds and honey.
RODOLIA CARDINALIS is a predatory beetle that can be used for the biological control of Icerya purchasi ; a pest common to citrus. RODOLIA CARDINALIS is a real specialist: it only feeds on Icerya.
How does RODOLIA CARDINALIS work?
RODOLIA CARDINALIS has a great searching ability and immediately starts feeding on Icerya upon encounter. RODOLIA CARDINALIS deposits eggs on the egg masses of the pest. A female beetle can lay up to 200 eggs. The larvae of RODOLIA CARDINALIS mostly eat the eggs and young stages of Icerya; while the adult beetles consume all stages of the pest. The pest population reduces rapidly. The empty egg masses of Icerya remain on the plant.
How to combine RODOLIA CARDINALIS
No other natural enemy of Icerya is commercially available. The only option is the release of RODOLIA CARDINALIS.
indoors: March - Octoberoutdoors: May - September
T = 18 - 33°C, T optimum = 25°C
RH = 50 - 80%
indoor garden, hobby greenhouse, ornamental production
Distribute at high pest densitiesLight infestation: 2-5 beetles per m²Heavy infestation: 5-10 beetles per m²Repeat once after several weeks.For private customers:10 beetles per two potted plants or one bigger bush/plant
Open the bag close to the pest.
Attach it to the plant near the pest.
The beetles will leave the bag to look for the pest.
It is also possible to distribute the contents of the bag near the pest manually.
