Leptomastix dactylopii

Leptomastix dactylopii is a small parasitic wasp, which belongs to the famity Encyrtidae. The main source of food for this wasp is the citrous mealy bug (Planoccocus citri). This species doesn't reproduce its progeny on other species of mealy bugs. In natural conditions Leptomastix occurs in Brazil.

The adult individual is yellow-brown, 3 mm in length. The female is a little bigger than the male. The cycle of individual development consists of the following stages: an egg, 4 larvae stages, a pupa and an adult individual. The duration of the whole cycle of ontogenesis is 18–25 days dependently on temperature. The mechanism of predator-prey interrelation is based on endoparasitism. (The larva of the entomophage develops inside the body of a host). During 10–14 days the female of Leptomastix is able to lay from 60 to 100 eggs. As a result of individual entomophage development the body of an host-insect is transformed into legless brown mummy. The adult predator feeds on the sugary excretions of pests, which are the additional source of carbohydrates.

Leptomastix dactylopii Leptomastix dactylopii Leptomastix dactylopii

Application

The predator is applied against the citrous mealy bug in the conditions of glass-covered ground (greenhouses, tropical houses and etc.). The entomophage possesses high search ability and can find the pest under the low density of its population. Tacking into account the well developed ability to search preys this entomophage can be recommended for invasion as a preventive (prophylactic) measure. Under the low and the average degree of pest population development the rate of Leptomastix dactylopii invasion is 2–5 individuals per 1 m2. Under the high number of the pest it is necessary to increase the rate of entomophage invasion. Besides, it is recommended complex application of Leptomastix together with species Cryptolaemus montrouzieri for the improvement of the productivity of operations conducted against the pest. The optimum conditions for the development of the species are a temperature of 23–25°C, and a relative air humidity between 40 and 90%.

Advantages

  • excellent search abilities;
  • possibility to be used for prophylactics;
  • the high reproductive ability of the entomophage.

Storage and transportation

  • don't expose to direct sunlight;
  • transport and store at 5–10°C;
  • apply immediately or within 18 hours since the moment of application.