BeneficialBlack bean aphid
Aphid predatory midge for black bean aphid
Aphidoletes aphidimyza · predatory midge
Against black bean aphid
The gall midge feeds on more than 60 aphid species, and Biobest says its larvae kill more aphids than they need to eat, helping aphid hotspots collapse. It makes sense under cover; outdoors the RHS relies on the wild predators that arrive. Release beside the colonies on moist growing media, and remember it is a long-day insect that goes into diapause from about September to March.
Rate1–10 /m² per release, weekly
TimingOn established colonies in a greenhouse or tunnel
Temperature20–26 °C best; needs warm nights and long days
macro · aphid predatory midge on black bean aphid
The pestBlack bean aphidAphis fabaeDense black colonies on shoot tips, curled leaves, honeydew, poor pod setFull pest profile →Before you order
Released onto established aphid colonies; the orange larvae kill more than 60 aphid species. How it works, how to tell it has established and the supplier list are on the full Aphidoletes aphidimyza 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 black bean aphid
- HoverfliesWild predator (larvae) · Wild — attract adults with open flowers
- LadybugsWild predator · Nothing to release — conserve the ones already there
- Chrysoperla carneaGreen lacewing larvae · 2–20 /m² per release, weekly
- Aphidius colemaniParasitoid wasp · 0.25–4 /m² per release, under glass only