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Dicyphus hesperus is a whitefly predatory bug and is best suited for use with vegetable crops as it will also feed on plants. It is similar to Macrolophus caliginous which is being used in Europe. Dicyphus is most successful when used along with other biocontrol agents.
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Mullein banker plants (Verbascum thapsus) can be used to support Dicyphus. Start mullein seeds 4-5 months before the main crops are planted in the greenhouse. Dicyphus are active at lower temperatures 54F and do not have a diapause phase.
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Development from egg to adult takes 5 weeks at 77F and 8 weeks at 68F. Adult females lay 3 eggs/day for a total of 88 eggs over 20-30 days. Eggs are laid inside of plant tissue, are not easily seen and hatch in 2 weeks. Adults are slender, 6mm, black and green bodies with red eyes and can fly.
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Release as soon as whiteflies are found early in the season at a rate of .25-.5 per 10 sq. ft. Repeat in 2-3 weeks. Release batches of 100 Dicyphus together where whitefly are present or supplement with moth eggs for a secondary food source, as they need a consistent food source to reproduce.
- Spreader/stickers, insecticidal soaps and oils are harmful to Dicyphus, but have little residual activity. Most pesticides used for whitefly, including systemic pesticides, are harmful to Dicyphus. The pesticide effects on Dicyphyus are similar to those on Orius.
