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Home > Beneficial Invertebrates > Dusky Ladybird a Generalist Predator (EGGS)
Dusky Ladybird a Generalist Predator (EGGS)
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Dusky Ladybird a Generalist Predator (EGGS)

The Dusky Ladybird is a small predatory ladybird. It is primarily an aphid predator, however it will also predate on a wide variety of alternative prey, including psyllid and whitefly eggs, mites, and the eggs of larger insects such as butterflies and moths. PRICE: $15.00 per 100 eggs (minimum order) plus GST and Freight
NZ $15.00
excl GST
Qty.
Scymnus loewii– Dusky LadybirdDusky-Eggs.pdf
The Dusky Ladybird appears to survive well in glasshouse grown capsicums when feeding on the peach aphid, and colonises cucumber as well. The use of this species is still experimental, and there are no guarantees that they will colonise your crop or eat a particular aphid species. They are known predators of aphids from the genera Myzus and Aphis. Ladybirds will not colonise tomato crops.

We have no experience with controlling the Giant Willow Aphid, and have reservations as to how effective these organisms would be.

Delivery                    *Important Information*

Same week delivery is not guaranteed as products are subject to availability. If unsure, please contact Bioforce directly, although be assured that we always aim to deliver as promptly as possible.

Products will only be sent on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and will not be sent on public holidays. Orders placed after 1pm on Wednesday will likely be sent the following week.  Please contact Bioforce directly by phone if immediate delivery is required, and we will endeavour to accommodate you. As these products are live organisms, it is important that they arrive quickly to their destination, and we do not send when it is possible they will be in transit over a weekend. Next day delivery is not guaranteed and customers should follow up with CourierPost using the tracking information provided on dispatch.

Bioforce will contact the purchaser advising you of the intended sending date, but only if products will not be shipped within the week of purchase. Please do not purchase the product online if you are unsure, however if the product has been purchased and you are unhappy with the delivery date, we will happily refund you the full amount. Please contact us immediately to complete this, as there will be no refunds once the goods have been sent.

Product Information

The Dusky Ladybird is a small predatory ladybird , adults are 3-4 mm in length. The ladybirds are sold as eggs on sack material. The eggs are yellow and very small, they are difficult to see with the naked eye. Eggs hatch approximately 2-3 days after dispatch, and juvenile stages will begin searching for aphid prey almost immediately, although they will not be noticeable for at least one week or more depending on temperatures. The larvae mimic mealybugs, so do not expect to see adult ladybirds for several weeks. The Dusky Ladybird undergoes an egg stage and 4 larval stages before pupating and emerging as an adult. Development time from egg to adult takes around three weeks at 25⁰C, and longer at lower temperatures. Eggs are tiny and laid singly on the woodier parts of the plant.

Adults and juveniles are aphid predators, feeding on aphids of all life stages, from juveniles to adults. Larvae paralise aphids and suck their body fluids out, generally through a leg or antenna. 

Both adults and larvae predate on the tomato/potato psyllid on capsicum and peppers, both eggs and juveniles.

Our ladybirds are reared in our insectary, we do not collect ladybirds from the wild (for sale) as is practised in other parts of the world.

Release and Storage Instructions
  • The eggs are laid on to small pieces of cloth, which is attached to a cardboard tag
  • Hang the tag (with the cloth and eggs) on to the plants out of direct sunlight, preferably on the same day as having received them
  • Place in areas with high aphid or pest numbers
  • Leave the petri dish and lid at the base of a plant
  • Store in a cool place if need be, out of direct sunlight. Preferably between 8 and 15 degrees
  • DO NOT REFRIGERATE

Price

$15.00 per 100 eggs (minimum order) plus GST and Freight

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About us

We rear and sell biological control agents, the good guys, for the control of plant pests and diseases. Bioforce advocates the sustainable management of horticultural crops.
 

Testimonials

“We'd love to get feedback regarding our products, services, and the use of biological control. Please email us with you're comments using the email address to the right” 
 
Bioforce Team
 

Contact Details

Ph: (09) 294 8973
Fax: (09) 294 8978
office@bioforce.net.nz
Address: P.O Box 73,
Drury 2247,
New Zealand