The aphid midge is a really useful insect. Aphid midge larvae devour aphids; one larva can devour as many as 65 aphids in an afternoon.
Grownup aphid midges are very small, black, flies—not up to 1/8 inch lengthy. They appear to be fungus gnats. Aphid midge larvae are tiny faded yellow to pink or brown slug-like creatures.
Aphid midge larvae inject a paralyzing toxin into aphids then suck the frame contents from the afflicted bugs. They’re extra voracious feeders than ladybugs and lacewings which additionally feed on aphids.
Larvae are faded yellow to pink or brown and now not a lot more than 1/10 of an inch in period.
Grownup aphid midge flies have lengthy, narrow legs and often stand with their antenna curled again over their head. Adults are energetic at night time and conceal beneath leaves all over the day.
Feminine aphid midges lay 100 to 250 glossy orange eggs singly or in small clusters amongst aphid colonies. Eggs hatch in 2 to three days. The larvae feed on aphids for three to five days then drop to the soil to pupate. They emerge as adults in about 10 days.
Aphid midges reproduce a number of instances all over the rising season. An grownup aphid midge lives a couple of weeks.
Draw in aphid midges to the lawn by means of planting pollen and nectar crops and supply a water supply. Aphid midges are tiny and lightweight, so the lawn will have to be secure from winds. They’re best in controlling aphids at 68−80 °F and top relative humidity.
Aphid midges are commercially grown by means of insectaries to make use of for aphid keep watch over in greenhouses. For a small greenhouse or lawn, you are going to want 3 to ten aphid midge cocoons in step with plant.
Aphids midges are not unusual right through North The united states.
Medical Identify: Aphidoletes aphidimyza
