The complete life cycle of this beneficial insect takes 24 days at 70°F (21°C), but can vary depending on temperature and availability of prey. Sex rations may vary, but there are usually more (60%) females. Females lay eggs on leaves beside aphids (150-200 in a lifetime), which are shiny orange ovals, less than 0.3 mm long.
At optimal temperatures, the eggs will hatch in 2-3 days and the tiny, legless larvae crawl along the leaf in search of aphids. They feed by biting aphids and paralyzing them with a toxin before sucking out the aphid body fluids. They feed for 7-10 days and can kill up to 50 aphids per day
1-3 midges per 10 square ft of crop canopy.
Aphidoletes is sent as pupae (cocoons) in moist vermiculite or sand. For control of cotton/melon aphid, which reproduces very quickly, Aphidoletes should be used along with Aphidius parasitic wasps.
