Beneficials for Vegetable and Herb Gardens
Praying Mantis
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Scientific Name: Tenodera aridifolia sinensis
Praying Mantis Egg Cases are ideal for organic gardens and bug-friendly environments. Praying mantises, known for their hunting skills and distinctive appearance, eat a variety of insects. Females lay 50-200 eggs in protective cases, which hatch in 2-12 weeks at temperatures above 70°F. The nymphs seek prey as they grow into adults with wings, living for several months to a year, depending on conditions.
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A generalist predator that feeds on Crickets, Grasshoppers, Moths, Locust, Caterpillars, Flies, Spiders, Aphids, Beetles, Earwigs, Leafhoppers, Mealybugs, and Scale.
Ladybugs
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Hippodamia convergens, a native ladybug species found across the USA, are excellent natural pest controllers for your garden, greenhouse, or any area with plant pests. By introducing these pre-fed ladybugs, you can reduce harmful bugs without using chemical pesticides, supporting a healthier backyard ecosystem. This natural approach not only improves plant health but also boosts your harvest, all while being safe for people and pets.
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Aphids, Mealybugs, Spider Mites, and Thrips.
Diglyphus isaea
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Diglyphus isaea, known as the leafminer parasitoid, targets leafminer larvae, especially those of the genus Liriomyza. Measuring 2-3mm, it is recognized by its metallic green, bronze, or blue iridescent hues and robust wings. Females lay eggs inside leafminer larvae, which hatch in 2-4 days. The larvae then feed on the leafminer for 7-10 days before pupating for another 7-10 days. Adults emerge and continue the cycle, with a lifespan of 1-3 weeks.
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Citrus Leafminers, Vegetable Leafminers, Chrysanthemum Leafminers, Serious Leafminers, Pea Leafminers, & many other leafminer species.
Minute Pirate Bug
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Orius insidiosus, or the minute pirate bug, is an effective predator of scale and other pests like mites, aphids, and thrips. These bugs use a long rostrum to pierce and feed on their prey. Females lay up to 45 eggs, with nymphs hatching in 5-7 days. Orius has a lifespan of about 7 weeks, spending 2 weeks as nymphs and 4 weeks as predatory adults. They thrive in light and complete their lifecycle in about a month, though nymph development may slow during unfavorable conditions.
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A generalist predator that feeds on all life stages of Thrips. Also feeds on Spider Mites, Moth Eggs, Aphids, & many other mite species.
Mealy Bug Destroyers
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Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, known as Mealybug Destroyers, are small ladybugs with dark brown bodies and orange heads and tails, measuring about 4mm. Both adults and larvae feed on all stages of mealybugs. Eggs are laid near mealybug colonies and hatch in 5-7 days. The larvae, which resemble mealybugs, mature in 14-20 days before becoming adults, with a lifespan of 4-6 weeks. They are effective until temperatures drop below freezing, at which point they need to be reintroduced.
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Citrus Mealybugs, Comstock Mealybugs, Obscure Mealybugs, Solenopsis Mealybugs, Mexican Mealybugs, Long-Tailed Mealybugs, and various other mealybug species. Also targets crawling and larval stages of some Scale Insects.
Parasitic Wasps
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Aphidius colemani are small parasitoids, about 2-3mm in size, that specialize in targeting smaller aphid species. These agile predators locate aphid colonies where female parasitoids lay eggs directly inside the aphids. The larvae hatch within a few days, consume the aphids from the inside, and then pupate, emerging as new adults. This reproductive cycle is crucial for sustainable aphid management, with females capable of laying over 100 eggs during their two-week lifespan.
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Small-Bodied Aphid Species such as Green Peach Aphids, Melon/Cotton Aphids, Black Bean Aphids, Aphids, & various other aphid species.
Lacewing Larvae
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As adults, green lacewings roam your garden, pollinating plants and searching for infested areas to lay their eggs. Great for aphids, mealy bugs, and more. These bright green insects have long, slender bodies and striking copper-colored eyes. Adult lacewings typically have a lifespan of 4-6 weeks.
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As a general predator, green lacewing larvae feed on Aphids, Small Caterpillars, Whiteflies, Mites, Scale, Thrips, Psyllids, Mealybugs, and many other soft-bodied insects.
Parasitic Wasp
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Encarsia formosa are tiny parasitoids, measuring 0.5-1mm, used for controlling whiteflies. These insects parasitize whitefly nymphs and pupae, with females laying up to 100 eggs within their 1-2 week lifespan. The eggs hatch into larvae in 3-5 days, which then feed on the host for 7-10 days before pupating. After 5-7 days, they emerge as adult parasitoids.
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Cotton Whiteflies, Greenhouse Whiteflies, Silverleaf Whiteflies, Sweet Potato Whiteflies, and various other whitefly species.
Amblyseius swirskii
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Amblyseius swirskii are generalist predatory mites that target pests like thrips, whiteflies, and spider mites. These small, beige or tan mites, about 0.5mm long, have short legs and sensory hairs. They reproduce quickly, making them effective for pest control. Females lay eggs on leaves near pests, which hatch in 2-3 days into larvae that feed on pest eggs and larvae. After progressing through two nymphal stages, they mature into adult predatory mites.
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Greenhouse Whitefly, Certain Thrips Larvae, and Tobacco Whitefly. Also targets Broad Mites, Tarsonemid Mites, Cyclamen Mites, Two-Spotted Spider Mites, & many other pest mite species.