APHELIcontrol contains mummies of the parasitic wasp Aphelinus abdominalis. This parasitic wasp, like Aphidius ervi, parasitizes mainly on the potato aphid (Macrosiphum euphorbiae) and the foxglove aphid (Aulacorthum solani). Aphelinus abdominalis is slower acting than Aphidius ervi, but has a longer duration of action.
A mature Aphelinus abdominalis is 3 mm in size and has relatively short legs and short antennae. The female has a black thorax and a yellow abdomen. The male is slightly smaller with a dark abdomen. The sex ratio is usually about 50/50. The adult lays its eggs inside the aphids. First, the parasitic wasp stuns the aphid by stinging its leg. Then, it deposits an egg within the aphid, a process that can take anywhere from 20 to 60 seconds. Aphelinus abdominalis is capable of laying approximately 80 to 100 eggs per day. Additionally, an adult parasitic wasp sustains itself by feeding on hosts, which extends its lifespan. A parasitized aphid transforms into a leathery black mummy. Once the parasitic wasp reaches maturity, it exits the mummy. About 10 days after introducing the parasitic wasp into the greenhouse, the first mummies become visible. Female parasitic wasps can parasitize aphids for up to two months.
Advantages
- ✅ Excellent control of potato aphids and foxglove aphids.
- ✅ High longevity (due to host feeding).
- ✅ Exhibits proactive hunting behavior.
- ✅ High egg production of 80-100 eggs per day.
- ✅ Demonstrates resilience to hyperparasitism.
