Tip Top Bio-Control Technical Bulletin

Leptomastix dactylopii
Mealybug Parasite

Target Pest:
Citrus mealybug, Planococcus citri, third larval stage are the sole prey of this parasitic wasp, which is a native of Brazil. The mealybug parasite can also appear on other plants beside citrus.

Description:
Under favorable conditions (78° F, 60-65% humidity) the females lay 60-100 eggs within 10-14 days inside the mealybug. Once the larvae hatch, they completely consume their host. The pupae swells and hardens into a yellow-brown (striped) mummy. The adult parasitic wasp emerges through a round hole at the rear of the mummy. Approximately 2 weeks after introduction, the first mummies can be seen in the crop. Female adults are 3mm in size and yellow-brown. Male adults are smaller than the female with hairy antennae. Other stages of Leptomastix develop inside the host.

Product information:
Leptomastix is shipped in 250 ml bottle containing 250 adults.

Release Rates:
1-2 wasps per sq. meter or 5 per heavily infested plant.

Lifespan of Leptomastix:
The lifecycle of Leptomastix dactylopii is approximately 25 days.

Strategic Considerations:
No special conditions required. Storage: It is not possible to store the material after receipt!