Contents: Packed as pupae. Some adults may emerge in transit. Parasites are available in 500, 1,000 and 10,000 quantities or in mixes with A. ervi or A. abdominalis.

General appearance and lifecycle: Adult wasps are black, 0.078 – 0.19 inch in length (2-3 mm) with a narrow waist and long antennae. Adult females lay their eggs inside aphids by curling their abdomen forward and quickly stabbing an aphid. Inside the aphid, the parasite egg hatches into a larva that then consumes the aphid. The wasp larva pupates inside the aphid cadaver that then develops a characteristic round, golden brown, mummified appearance. The emerging adult wasp cuts a round hole to escape. At 72º F (22º C) aphid mummies will form about 1 week after parasite egg laying and adult parasites will emerge 1 week later. Each female parasitic wasp can deposit over 100 eggs.

Hosts: Used to control cotton (melon) aphid, Aphis gossypii and green peach aphid (Myzus persicae). A. colemani has been identified attacking a wide range of other aphids but there is little information about its success as a control agent.

Crops: Commonly used on commercial cucumber and pepper crops grown in greenhouses. Parasitism does occur on other crops that host aphids. A. colemani has been released and established worldwide.

Environment: Performs well in greenhouse conditions at temperatures between 65º and 80º F (18º - 26º C) Reduced efficiency above 86º F (30º C).

Application rate: For prevention when aphids may occur, 1 - 5 per 100 sq ft  (10 sq m) and up to 50 per 100 ft sq (10 per sq m) for existing infestations.

Release: Release emerged adults as soon as possible upon receipt, preferably in the evening, by gently tapping open containers while walking through the crop. Containers with remaining pupae may be left open, in a shaded location, under existing aphid colonies and away from direct irrigation.

Important:

·    Apply as a preventative or at the earliest sign of aphid infestation. Aphid populations can increase up to 20 times in one week.

·    Do not release immediately before or after pesticide applications. Check compatibility charts before pesticide use.

·    Be sure to properly identify your aphid species.