BeneficialSilverleaf whitefly
Whitefly ladybird for silverleaf whitefly
Delphastus catalinae · predatory ladybird
Against silverleaf whitefly
A clean-up predator for heavy patches of tobacco (silverleaf) whitefly, released alongside parasitoids. An adult eats up to 160 whitefly eggs a day but needs plenty of prey to keep breeding, and it avoids parasitised scales, so it does not undo a wasp program. UMass says it is typically not recommended, because of its cost and the high whitefly numbers it needs.
Rate10 per infested plant or 100 per hot spot, weekly for 3–4 weeks
TimingOnly once whitefly is established; onto hot spots
Temperature72–80 °F (22–27 °C) best; suppliers quote working ranges as wide as 61–95 °F (16–35 °C); does not fly below 55 °F (13 °C)
macro · whitefly ladybird on silverleaf whitefly
The pestSilverleaf whiteflyBemisia tabaciVirus spread, uneven tomato ripening, silvered squash leavesFull pest profile →Before you order
Released onto whitefly hot spots once whiteflies are established; a clean-up predator for heavy patches, used alongside parasitoids rather than instead of them. How it works, how to tell it has established and the supplier list are on the full Delphastus catalinae 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 silverleaf whitefly
- Amblyseius swirskiiPredatory mite · 25–100 /m² per release (UF/IFAS); Koppert's range runs to 300 /m²; or sachets
- Eretmocerus eremicusWhitefly parasitoid · 1–10 /m² per release, weekly, at least 3 releases
- Big-eyed bugsWild predator · wild, attract it
- Dicyphus hesperusPredatory bug · 1–3 adults per plant weekly for 3 weeks (Florida trial)
- Beauveria bassiana strain GHAMicrobial insecticide (fungus) · Label rate — ½–1 qt per 100 gal (BotaniGard ES / Mycotrol ES) or ½–1 lb (22WP)