BeneficialLettuce aphid
Aphid parasitoid wasp for lettuce aphid
Aphelinus abdominalis · parasitoid wasp
Against lettuce aphid
The usual greenhouse aphid wasp, Aphidius colemani, parasitised none of the lettuce aphids offered to it in a Danish lab test, while Aphelinus abdominalis parasitised 39% in 24 hours (Shrestha et al. 2014), and 54% in no-choice and 30% in choice tests in a later study (Shrestha et al. 2017). The evidence is laboratory only; no field release trial was found.
Rate0.25–4 /m² per release, repeated
TimingFrom the first aphids; release close to plants, as adults walk rather than fly
Temperature15–35 °C (59–95 °F); outperforms Aphidius above 28 °C
macro · aphid parasitoid wasp on lettuce aphid
The pestLettuce aphidNasonovia ribisnigriAphids packed into the heart of the head; contaminated, unsaleable lettuceFull pest profile →Before you order
For potato and foxglove aphid under glass, especially in hot spells when Aphidius falters; kills by feeding on aphids as well as laying in them. How it works, how to tell it has established and the supplier list are on the full Aphelinus abdominalis profile.
Release calculator
How many do I need?
Area and infestation level in; quantity, cost and a weekly schedule out. Open the calculator →
Other controls for lettuce aphid
- HoverfliesWild predator (larvae) · Wild — intercrop with sweet alyssum, coriander, baby's breath or Persian clover (UC IPM)
- Chrysoperla carneaGreen lacewing larvae · 2–20 /m² per release, weekly