Our last posting day before Christmas will be the 20/12/24 🎄We will re-open and send non-live orders and nematodes on the 02/01/25 🎄 Dispatch of live predators will recommence on the 06/01/25 🎄 From everyone at Dragonfli, we would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!🎄
£141.99
*Please be advised there is a 2 week lead time for this product. Your order will be shipped sooner if possible.*
Scale insects are small insects that feed on leaves and plants. They are often a pest spotted on house plants, tropical plants, and plants grown in warm, humid conditions. Scale insects can be spilt into two groups: the Armoured Scale and Soft Scale. The Armoured Scales inject substances into leaves that turns them yellow, or brown and are a serious plant pest for many types of plants, especially those grown in plant collections in greenhouses and conservatories. The Armoured Scale appear frequently on Palm Trees and Orchids. Soft Scales extract sap from plants and leave honeydew on leaves, which black molds can grow on.
Biological control of Hard Scale and Armoured Scale Insects can be achived with the predatory ladybird: Rhyzobius Lophanthae. The larvae and adult Rhyzobius will chew holes in scale insects, killing them, before feeding on the bodies. They will feed on Armoured Scale insects that include the:
Use these predators as soon as Armoured Scale Insect infestations are observed. We recommend use of the Rhyzobius from March to September.
Rhyzobius should be used indoors only. They are best suited for use in greenhouses, conservatories or in other heated areas.
It is recommended that you release the Rhyzobius in the evening, with windows and vents closed so they cannot fly away. Leave these closed for a period of at least 8 hours.
Simply open the container and lodge it in foliage for the beetles to emerge naturally. If, after a few hours, some adults are left inside, gently tip them out onto the infested plants. For best results apply the beetles directly to areas where Scale Insects are present.
Full instructions will be provided on delivery.
The Rhyzobius can be used at slightly lower temperatures and in a lower humidity than our other Scale Insect predatory beetle; Chilocorus nigritis. The Rhyzobius require temperatures averaging around 18℃. The beetles also still prefer release in areas of higher humidity.
We advise applying Rhyzobius at the following rate:
In treating light infestations on small / medium sized plants: apply 3 - 5 predators per plant
In treating heavier infestations on larger sized plants: apply 10 predators per plant
Repeat applications may be required for the heavy infestations. Add more Rhyzobius every 2 weeks until clear populations of Rhyzobius can be observed, and have established on the plant. 2-3 weeks after application, given adequate levels of prey, Rhyzobius larvae should be observed on the plants too.
Rhyzobius lophanthaeis a living creature and can be affected by any chemical pesticides used within the previous few weeks. As a general guide, refrain from using Natural Pyrethrum or SB Plant Invigorator 2 days prior to use. Other chemical insecticides can have long lasting residues that could harm Rhyzobius and other predators for much longer periods. Refrain from using these products or check with Dragonfli for information on the effect of these products on our predators.
