Rhyzobug Predatory Beetle

Scientific name: Rhyzobius lophanthae.

Rhyzobius lophanthae, the purple scale predator or scale eating ladybird, is a species of Coccinellidae native to parts of Australia and naturalized in southern United States and Europe. Both adults and larvae of the small ladybird feed on scale insects (Coccidae, soft scales, wax scales or tortoise scales), especially armoured scales (Diaspididae or armoured scale insects) at all periods of their development and mealybugs (Pseudococcidae or unarmored scale insects).

The younger Rhyzobius lophanthae predatory beetle larvae crawl under the protective scale of the adult scale insect and feed on the scale nymphs before they disperse. These ladybirds have been used for biological pest control in olive trees and citrus crops.

Use for:

• For the organic biological control of armoured scale insects.
• Diaspis boisduvalii, Aspidiotis nerii, Aonidiella aurantii, Aulacaspis spp. and other species of armoured scale insects.
• Feeds on all stages of armoured scale insects.
• Can be used at the first signs of pest presence.
• Can be combined with Aphytis melinus parasitic wasps.

Mode of action:

Adults and larvae feed on all stages of armoured scale insects.

Visually, small scales are consumed entirely. In larger scale insects feeding damage is visible as irregular holes in the scale cover.

Product specifications:

Application:

Apply Rhyzobug in the evening. Open the cap and tap the beetles directly on the plants. Be aware that adults may not fly away immediately after release.

Dosage:

The dosage of Rhyzobug depends on climate, crop and armoured scale density and should always be adjusted to the particular situation. Start introduction as soon as the first armoured scales are detected in the crop. Introduction rates in outdoor crops typically range from 500 to 3000 per ha/release. Releases should be repeated once or twice.

Environmental conditions:

Optimal temperatures for Rhyzobug are around 25°C / 77°F. Lower temperature slows down the development of Rhyzobius lophanthae.

Storage:

• See expiry date on the box. On average product can be stored for 1 to 2 days.
• Store at temperatures of 10°C to 15°C / 50°F to 59°F.
• Store in the dark.

Caution:

• Pesticides can have direct or indirect effects on biological solutions.
• Only use products that are permitted in your country or state and crop.