Beneficial Insect Profiles: Predators

Orius insidiousus

Product: A predatory bug.

Net Contents: 500 minimum (see container).

Common Name: Minute Pirate Bug.

Family: Anthocoridae.

Genus: Orius.

Species: insidiosus/tristicolor

Origin: California, Holland and Israel.

Host Pest: Thrips, aphids, mites, scales, whiteflies and soft-bodied arthropods.

Host Plant: Many (most flowering plants) and commonly found in strawberries, corn, grapes, cotton, melons, orchard crops, and ornamentals.

Life Stages Shipped: Nymphs/adults (both predaceous)

Sex ratio: Approximately 1 Female to 1 Male.

Development: 28 days from egg to adult at 700 F. There are 5 nymphal instars Females of 0. insidiosus lay up to 130 eggs in their lifetime. Northern populations of Orius go into winter diapause (hibernation) which is broken around April.

Environment: Optimum field conditions: 75-90 degres F., March-October.

Pesticides: Although this insect has demonstrated tolerance to some pesticides, use may not be compatible; request technical information on specific products.

Storage: Perishable, apply as soon as possible. May be held for a few days if necessary at 50 degrees F. but the emergence and egg laying ability will decrease with cold storage time.

Augmentation: Release rates range from 5,000-30,000/Ac when pest levels are low.

Special Instructions: Immatures are sensitive to short daylength (i.e. less than 13 hrs. daylight).

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