Aphidius Colemani

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Aphidius colemani is a small, non-stinging parasitic wasp that serves as a high-precision biological control for several common aphid species. Unlike predatory beetles that eat aph ids whole, Aphidius works by "parasitizing" the aphid. The female wasp lays an egg inside the aphid; the egg hatches and consumes the pest from the within, eventually turning the aphid into a hard, tan-colored "mummy." This wasp is an incredible scout, capable of finding even a single aphid in a large canopy. Field Notes — Aphidius colemani Species Aphidius colemani Common name Aphid parasitoid Type Parasitic wasp — endoparasitoid Ships as [Mummies / adults — confirm your supplier's format] Sold by Count Size 2–3mm. Small dark wasp, narrow-waisted. Does not sting people Hunts Small-bodied aphids — green peach aphid (Myzus persicae) and cotton/melon aphid (Aphis gossypii) above all, plus other Aphis and Myzus species How it works Female lays a single egg inside a live aphid. The larva develops internally, kills the host, and the aphid hardens into a papery bronze mummy glued to the leaf. A new wasp chews out roughly a week later Also kills by Host feeding and unsuccessful stings. Aphids also drop off leaves and stop feeding while a female works the colony, cutting damage beyond the parasitism count Eats opportunistically Nothing else. No alternate host outside aphids Also eats Nectar and honeydew — adults need a sugar source. Flowering plants nearby extend adult lifespan Won't touch Thrips, whitefly, mites, mealybugs, scale, fungus gnats. Large-bodied aphids — potato and foxglove aphid are poor hosts Best against Small, scattered, early aphid colonies. Searches efficiently at low density, where sprays and predators both do worst Optimal temp 65–80°F (18–27°C) Humidity 50–80% RH. No high-humidity requirement Light Needs daylight to search and fly Egg to adult Roughly 2 weeks at 70°F; mummies appear in about a week Adult lifespan 2–3 weeks with a sugar source, considerably less without Establishes Yes, while aphids are present. Population collapses when hosts run out Deploy Immediately on arrival. Open the container in the canopy — hang mummy cards in shade if that's the format Release timing Morning, in daylight. Repeat weekly while aphids are active Refrigerate No Compatible with Predatory mites, Stratiolaelaps scimitus, beneficial nematodes, lacewings, ladybugs, Coleomegilla, springtails, Diglyphus, other Aphidius species Keep separate from Broad-spectrum and systemic insecticides — systemics move into the aphid and kill the developing wasp. Yellow sticky cards will catch adults; pull them at release Chemical interval One day after neem oil or insecticidal soap. Never with sulfur, at any dilution Safe around Pets, children, plants Show more