Delphastus Pusillus for Whitefly Control

Delphastus pusillus is a small black beetle used to control whiteflies. It preys on all whitefly species and stages, but prefers eggs and nymphs, delivering high prey consumption, long adult survival, and rapid reproduction. This biological control agent is effective in tropical and semi-tropical plants and in commercial greenhouses where whiteflies are present.

For best results, store at 50-59 °F (10-15 °C) and release in the early morning or late evening. Open the container and gently shake beetles onto foliage near infestations, then place the container upright among plants to release the remaining beetles. It is most effective at high whitefly densities and may provide limited benefit when populations are low, since adult females must feed on over 200 eggs per day to reproduce. It avoids feeding on whitefly nymphs parasitized by Encarsia formosa and Eretmocerus eremicus, making it compatible with these parasites.

📋 Product summary:

• Delphastus pusillus is a small black beetle used to control whiteflies.
• It preys on all whitefly species and life stages, with a preference for eggs and nymphs.
• High prey consumption, long adult survival, and high reproduction support biological control.
• Suitable for tropical and semi-tropical plants and commercial greenhouses.
• Storage and release: store at 50-59 °F (10-15 °C); release in the early morning or late evening by shaking beetles onto foliage near infestations and placing the container upright among plants to release remaining beetles.
• Application rates by infestation: Preventative: 1-2 beetles per square foot or at least 100 adults per whitefly hot spot, or 10 adults per infested plant, weekly, for 3-4 weeks; Moderate: 2-4 beetles per square foot or 500 adults per whitefly hot spot, or 1-2 adults per 10 square feet, weekly, for 4 weeks; Heavy: 4-6 beetles per square foot or 500 adults per whitefly hot spot, or 3-4 adults per 10 square feet, weekly until established.
• Compatibility: does not feed on whitefly nymphs parasitized by Encarsia formosa or Eretmocerus eremicus in later development; compatible with these parasites and tends to feed at high whitefly densities.
• Item numbers: DPUS1 - 30ml vial with 100 adults; DPUS1K - 250ml bottle with 1,000 adults.