Macrolophus pygmaeus

Macrolophus is a predatory plant bug, 3-4 mm in size. It has an elongated oval body of green colour, covered with small bristles. It is a polyphage and is used against a wide range of pests: whiteflies, aphids, spider mites, scoops, thrips and many others. Highly mobile due to the presence of developed wings. If there is a lack of live prey, it can eat plant juice.

The optimal operating temperature ranges from 22-25°C, but the population is able to withstand a temperature increase of up to 40 °C and a decrease of up to 15°C. On average, a female lays up to 5 eggs daily. Eggs are laid in plant tissues and develop to the larval stage in 2-3 weeks. The development cycle of an adult from an egg takes 37-43 days.

Macrolophus has earned popularity due to its versatility: all stages of whitefly development, all types of thrips, larvae and eggs of various lepidoptera can become its animal prey. Adult individuals of the bug can destroy up to 30 eggs, 15 pupae or 5 adult whiteflies per day. Thus, for the entire life of a Macrolophus , the number of its victims is measured in thousands. Nymphs show the highest efficiency, older individuals are not so voracious.

Application of Macrolophus:

It is necessary to introduce bugs on plants at the rate of at least 2 individuals per square metre. At the same time, it is important to do this in advance so that the bug has time to adapt and reproduce. To stimulate growth, it is important to feed the population for 6-7 weeks with the help of protein nutrition, for example, Sitotroga eggs.

Macrolophus does not tolerate the effects of highly toxic pesticides, so their use should be abandoned.

For the effective use of the bug, many factors should be taken into account: the type of culture, the number and types of pest, climatic conditions, etc., therefore, to draw up a detailed plan for the use of entomophage, we recommend contacting specialists.

Packaging of Macrolophus:

300 ml jar — 500 individuals.