Aphidius colemani is a tiny but mighty wasp. It’s a parasitoid, which means it lays its eggs inside another insect – in this case, aphids. It’s a popular and effective tool for getting rid of aphids on crops and in gardens.
Aphidius colemani is known to control over 40 different kinds of aphids. This article will explore how it works, what it does, and what makes it so beneficial for pest management.
Understanding Aphidius colemani and its Target Pests
Aphidius colemani is a parasitic wasp that’s a friend to gardens everywhere. Here’s what you need to know about how it works and the aphids it targets.
Target Aphid Species
This little wasp attacks a wide range of aphids, including cotton aphids, green peach aphids, and tobacco aphids. In fact, Aphidius colemani has been shown to be effective against more than 40 aphid species.
How Aphidius colemani Works
The wasp parasitizes aphids, which turns them into what are called “mummies.” Aphids that have been parasitized will turn a golden-brown color.
An Aphidius colemani wasp can detect aphid colonies even when there aren’t very many aphids around. The wasp lays its eggs inside the aphids, which eventually kills them.
How to use Aphidius colemani
Aphidius colemani can be applied to crops by distributing mummified aphids among the plants. You can also release the wasps directly by opening the container and letting them fly free.
Another method is to put the mummies in D-boxes and hang them among the plant leaves.
For best results, the temperature should be between 68°F and 86°F (20°C-30°C). The wasps are mostly inactive when the temperature drops below 59°F (15°C).
The number of wasps you’ll need depends on how bad the aphid infestation is and what kind of crop you’re trying to protect.
How does Aphidius colemani find and parasitize aphids?
Aphidius colemani is an efficient insect, even in situations where there aren’t many aphids around. The female wasp carefully checks each aphid with her antennae before deciding whether to lay an egg inside it. The entire process happens quickly, in less than half a second.
When aphids sense that a wasp is nearby, they release a warning pheromone. This can sometimes cause the aphids to fall off the plant to escape.
A few things to keep in mind
To get the most out of your colemani wasps, there are a few important points to remember about storage, limitations, and how they work with other pest control methods.
- Store the product at room temperature and keep it out of direct sunlight.
- If you have ants in the area, treat for them before you introduce the wasps. Ants can interfere with the wasps’ effectiveness.
- Talk to an expert before you use chemical pesticides in conjunction with colemani.
- The success of this method depends on a few factors, including how many pests were present to begin with, the weather, and whether there are chemical residues in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What parasitic wasp kills aphids?
Several parasitic wasp species target aphids, but Aphidius colemani is a particularly effective and widely used one. It’s known for its ability to control various aphid species in greenhouses, gardens, and agricultural settings. Other aphid-killing wasps include Aphidius ervi and Aphelinus abdominalis, each with preferences for different aphid types.
What do Aphidius colemani eat?
As larvae, Aphidius colemani feed on aphids from the inside out, eventually killing them and turning them into characteristic “mummies.” Adult wasps feed on nectar, honeydew, and aphid haemolymph (blood) by host-feeding. Host-feeding refers to when the adult wasp kills or damages the host insect while feeding.
What is the difference between Aphidius colemani and Aphidius ervi?
Aphidius colemani tends to parasitize smaller aphid species, especially those found on plants like peppers and cucumbers. Aphidius ervi prefers larger aphid species, like those found on peas, potatoes, and greenhouse crops. They also differ slightly in their environmental preferences, with A. ervi generally being more tolerant of cooler temperatures.
Do aphid wasps sting?
No, aphid wasps like Aphidius colemani do not sting humans. They are very small and their ovipositor (the organ used to lay eggs) is designed for targeting aphids, not for stinging defensively. They are harmless to people and pets.
Conclusion
Aphidius colemani offers an effective and sustainable way to control aphid populations, but remember that proper application and environmental conditions are essential to achieve the best results.