Aphidoletes aphidimyza

Taxonomy

Domain	Eukarya
Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Arthropoda
Subphylum	Hexapoda
Class	Insecta
Subclass	Pterygota
Infraclass	Neoptera
Superorder	Holometabola
Order	Diptera
Suborder	Nematocera
Infraorder	Bibionomorpha
Family	Cecidomyiidae
Subfamily	Cecidomyiinae
Tribe	Aphidoletini
Genus	Aphidoletes

Scientific Name

Aphidoletes aphidimyza

Common Name

aphid predatory midge

Description

This mosquito like insect is an important aphid predator, and has been used to control aphids on a variety of vegetable and ornamental crops in the greenhouse as part of a biocontrol management plan. The adults are not predatory but the larvae are active feeders on a host of prey ranging from mites to mealybugs.

Distinctive Features

The adults are tiny, delicate, long-legged flies that resemble mosquitoes; they are nocturnal and not easily noticed. The predatory maggots are legless and eyeless, with body tapered at mouth end.

Life Cycle

Life cycle takes 15-20 days. Eggs hatch in about 3 days. Larvae feed for 7-11 days, pupation takes 6-9 days inside a cocoon of loosely woven silk, on plants or on the ground. Six generations per year. Overwinter as mature larvae.

Prey

Mostly aphids, also mites, scale insects and mealybugs.

Habitat

These insects can be found in and around herbaceous and woody plants.

Floral Resources

Adult flies are known to feed on honeydew, a sugary substance excreted by aphids.

Distribution

Found in most states coast to coast between Canada and Mexico.

Origin

Native.

Occurrence

Common.

Size

1-3 mm.

Color

Orange, red, white

As a biological control

Larva of a tiny fly, Aphidoletes aphidimyza develops as predator of aphids. It is a native insect of the region, found most commonly in late summer within aphid colonies. Aphidoletes aphidimyza is sold for use in greenhouses, supplied as pupae that disperse after they transform to the adult stage. When used during winter supplemental lighting must be provided to maintain a minimum of 16 hours of daylight or the predators become dormant.

Commercial Suppliers

Company State Country American Insectaries, Inc. CA USA ARBICO Organics AZ USA The Bug Factory, Ltd. BC Canada Buglogical Control Systems AZ USA Crop King OH USA Evergreen Growers Supply OR USA Extremely Green Gardening Company MA USA Great Lakes IPM, Inc. MI USA Greenfire CA USA The Green Spot Ltd. NH USA Heaths Organic Pest Control, Greenhouse, and Nursery NH USA Harmony Farm Supply and Nursery CA USA Hummert International MO USA Hydro-Gardens CO USA Integrated Fertility Management WA USA

Company State Country International Technology Services, Inc. CO USA IPM Laboratories, Inc. NY USA Koppert Biological Systems MI USA MR Durango, Inc. Insectary CO USA Nature Insect Control (NIC) ON Canada Natures Control OR USA Park Seed Co. SC USA Peaceful Valley Farm Supply CA USA Planet Natural MT USA Plant Products Co. Ltd. OH USA Rincon-Vitova Insectaries, Inc. CA USA Tip Top Bio-Control CA USA Applied Bio-Nomics BC Canada EcoSolutions, Inc. FL USA Biobest Biological Systems ON Canada