A predatory ladybird beetle for the control of aphids. Supplied in packs of 30 adult beetles.

This is a tropical/subtropical species and is recommended for use in the Northern Territory, Queensland and New South Wales.

If you are located in another state please check before placing your order.

Description

Harmonia octomaculata

This native Australian ladybird beetle is an entirely new biocontrol product. Bugs for Bugs is excited to make this attractive beetle available for targeted treatment of aphid infestations. The application of this biocontrol agent is still in the research and development stage, but where it has been observed in the field it has proven itself as a ferocious aphid predator and we are optimistic about the potential for this organism to be utilised to treat aphid infestations in a wide range of crop environments.

Both adults and larvae feed on aphids, however the bulk of the predation is done by the larvae. Adults have alternate food sources such as nectar and pollen and so they are less dependent on aphids (or similar soft-bodied prey). They can survive when pests are at low levels in the crop, and will search out food for their offspring, laying their eggs amongst colonies of suitable prey.

Target pests

Aphids are the primary target, but this species is also known to feed on whiteflies.

Suitable crops/environments

This biocontrol agent has the potential to be employed for aphid control in a wide range of crop environments including tree crops, vegetables and ornamentals, in both field and protected situations. At this stage we have only limited experience applying this species as an introduced biocontrol agent in the field and we cannot guarantee results in any particular crop. We are very keen to receive customer feedback on the performance of this predator in different situations, so please share your experience with us.

At release

Adult beetles are supplied in packs of 30. At point of sale they are already sexually mature, ready to both feed on aphids upon release and lay eggs in the crop to kick start the next generation of hungry larvae! The beetles should be released as soon as possible after arrival. Release onto plant foliage near aphid infestations by gently tapping them out of the container.

In the event of adverse weather such as extreme heat or high rainfall, they may be stored for several days before release. This is best done in a dark room at about 17°C. During storage, adult beetles should be given a top up of honey (placed on the inside of the container lid) if the original supply has already been consumed.

Release rates

Further research and development are required to develop ideal release rate guidelines. At this stage we suggest 1 pack of beetles per 20 to 50 m2 in enclosed situations, and 20 packs per hectare in orchards or field crops.

After release

After release, adult beetles should rapidly disperse throughout the treated area. They will begin to consume aphids immediately and start to lay eggs amongst aphid colonies. It may take one to two weeks (depending on temperature) before their offspring (the larvae) can be observed feeding on the pest. Regular monitoring is recommended following release to check the beetles are established. Booster releases may be needed in crops with heavy aphid infestations. Do not expect to see adult beetles readily after release. Note that the larvae look very different from the adult beetles.

Cultural practices to aid establishment

Practices that reduce wind and dust will help the beetles establish. Avoid releasing the beetles where bright lights may attract them away from the release area. In shopping centres and office blocks it is best to release beetles out of hours.

High populations of ants may interfere with the predators and reduce their performance. In these situations ants should be controlled or excluded from the crop. See our ant control blog article for more details.

When releasing adult ladybird beetles, we recommend the use of sleeve cages to aid in the establishment of a local breeding population. See our tips for establishing a ladybird population blog article for more details.

Chemical use

These ladybird beetles are very effective predators of aphids but they may be harmed by pesticides. Drift of pesticides from neighbouring areas should be prevented. Copper and nutritional sprays will usually not harm them and some miticides are also fairly safe. Carbamate, organophosphate and synthetic pyrethroid insecticides are toxic. Some insect growth regulators (IGRs) are also toxic to predatory beetles. If an insecticide has been applied, a minimum of four weeks should elapse before beetles are released. Where a clean-up insecticide spray is warranted, an application of a selective aphicide is recommended if possible.

Additional information

Our spotted ladybird beetles are despatched by overnight courier or express post and should be received within one or two days. During transit honey or glucose syrup is supplied as food for adult beetles.

Other natural enemies of aphids

There are many natural enemies of aphids including:

Other ladybird beetles (family Coccinellidae)
Green lacewings (Mallada signata)
Brown lacewings (Micromus tasmaniae)
Hoverflies (family Syrphidae)
Various parasitic wasps including Aphidius spp.