Eretmocerus eremicus – Natural Whitefly Parasitoid for Greenhouse & IPM Programs

Description 

Eretmocerus eremicus is a tiny parasitic wasp (~1 mm in length) that is indigenous to the southern deserts of California and Arizona and is an important parasitoid of whiteflies in these areas. Females of this beneficial insect are a pale lemon color with green eyes and clubbed antennae. The name Eretmocerus is Latin for 'club shaped' referring to the antennae. Males are yellowish brown in color. Besides killing whitefly from parasitism, the female adults also host feed, killing more whitefly nymphs. Eretmocerus eggs hatch after 4 days, the larvae develop for around 12 days and the adults live for another 6-12 days, depending on temperature and availability of food. 

TARGET PEST: Whiteflies, including Sweet Potato Whitefly(Bemisia tabaci), Silverleaf Whitefly (Bemisia argentifolii) Greenhouse Whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporarium), and Bandedwinged Whitefly (Trialeurodes  abutiloneus).

Application Rates

0.05-2.0 predators per square foot. Use as part of an IPM program. 

Instructions for Use

This natural enemy is not harmful to people, pets or plants. Yellow sticky cards should be removed prior to release as they attract Eretmocerus. Optimum temperatures for Eretmocerus are 77 - 84ºF. These temperatures will facilitate rapid development and egg production, allowing them to outpace their prey.

For Your Files: Encarsia/Eretmocerus Tech Sheet

Order deadline: Orders must be received by noon on Friday PT for shipment the following week. Questions? Call us at (360) 656-6680. See order deadlines & shipping and release instructions for details.