RHYZOBUG 500 - Predatory beetle Rhyzobius lophanthae For Scale Control
*THIS ITEM CARRIES A LEAD TIME OF 14 BUSINESS DAYS*
Rhyzobius lophanthae is a small predatory ladybird beetle that hunts armoured scale insects, one of the toughest pests to control because their waxy shields shrug off most sprays. Both the adult beetles and their larvae feed on every stage of armoured scale: small scales are eaten whole, while larger ones show the feeding damage as irregular holes chewed through the protective cover. Use it in greenhouse and outdoor crops such as citrus, grapes, mango, kiwi, and berries wherever armoured scale is taking hold.
Supplied as live adult beetles, in one pack size:
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Rhyzobug 500 — 500 adult beetles in a 90 ml cardboard tube, packed in a buckwheat-hull carrier with a little food to keep them in good condition on arrival.
Target Pests
Controls armoured scale insects (family Diaspididae). Documented targets include California red scale (Aonidiella aurantii), oleander scale (Aspidiotus nerii), mango scale (Aulacaspis tubercularis), rose scale (Aulacaspis rosae), Spanish red scale (Chrysomphalus dictyospermi), boisduval scale (Diaspis boisduvalii), purple mussel scale (Lepidosaphes beckii), Glover's scale (Lepidosaphes gloverii), chaff scale (Parlatoria pergandii), white peach scale (Pseudaulacaspis pentagona), and San José scale (Quadraspidiotus perniciosus). It also feeds on some soft scales, including European brown scale (Parthenolecanium corni) and brown soft scale (Coccus hesperidum).
How to Use
Apply in the evening. Open the cap and tap the beetles directly onto the plants, concentrating on scale hotspots. Don't be alarmed if the adults walk rather than fly off right away; that's normal, and they'll settle and disperse on their own.
Start releasing as soon as the first armoured scales are detected in the crop. For lasting control, make repeated introductions; on a small scale, adding fresh beetles every week or two helps establish the population while reducing existing scale pressure.
Dosage:
In outdoor crops, apply 500 to 3,000 beetles per hectare per release, repeated once or twice, or until control is achieved. Adjust the rate to your own situation, since the right dose depends on climate, crop, and the density of the scale infestation.
For a sense of scale at smaller sizes, 500–3,000 per hectare translates to roughly 5 to 30 beetles per 1,000 sq ft, or about 1 to 3 beetles per 100 sq ft, within the published range. Because these are free-moving beetles broadcast across the canopy rather than a fixed-point sachet, the per-area rate applies directly: concentrate releases where scale is worst.
Environmental Conditions
Performs best at around 25°C (77°F). The beetles are active predators from about 18°C upward and are still developing at 30°C; cooler temperatures slow their development. Note that the air temperature under the leaves, where the beetles work, can be lower than the ambient air temperature.
Ants will interfere with control by carrying off the beetle larvae, so manage any ant activity in the crop. Avoid pesticide, oil, or soap treatments in the hours before and after release unless compatibility has been confirmed.
Product Handling & Storage
Release as soon as possible after receipt. If you must hold the product, store it for no more than 1–2 days in a cool, dark place at 10–15°C (50–59°F). Do not refrigerate. Inspect on arrival and release promptly for best results.
