Tip Top Bio-Control Technical Bulletin

Dicyphus hesperus

Target Pest:
All stages of greenhouse whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum) and tobacco whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). Dicyphus will also eat at a lesser level preferring the eggs and larvae of aphids, red spider mites, moth eggs, leaf-miner larvae and thrips.

Description:
Dicyphus is a predatory insect that feeds on many species of small, soft-bodied insects. Dicyphus adults and nymphs aggressively search out prey and then pierce their prey with its mouth parts and suck out the body fluids of its prey. Once the Dicyphus eats the whitefly eggs, larvae or pupae, all that remains is the skin, most often found in its original form with a small hole where the insect was sucked out by the Dicyphus. Adults can also survive for a short time by plant feeding.

Adults are green, slim, long legged and have antennas. They are about 6 mm (1/4 inch) long. The nymphs are yellowish green to green.

Product information:
Dicyphus is a general predator and feeds on whiteflies, red spider mites, moth eggs, Leaf-miner larvae and thrips. Dicyphus are shipped in bottles of 100 adults and nymphs.

Release Rates:
Introduce the beneficial insects as soon as possible after receipt. Store at the most for 1 to 2 days, if neccessary, keeping them at 8°-10° C (46°-50° F) in the dark. Monitor pest populations and Dicyphus population. When pest population disappears, and Dicyphus populations are high (about 100 per plant), use a nicotine bomb (or registered item in your area) to kill Dicyphus to avoid plant damage. To release, simply sprinkle onto leaves or disperse into Universal release pouches (about 50 predatory bugs per site).

Light infestation:
500/acre or 1 per 40-sq. ft. 2 times at 2-week intervals.
Normal infestation:
500/acre or 1 per 40-sq. ft. 4 times at 1-week intervals.

Release around the same time you would release encarsia.

Lifespan:
Dicyphus will diapause in the fall, when day lengths are less than 12 hours.

Strategic Considerations:
Avoid the use of systemic insecticides or pesticides with long residual action.