How to Manage Pests

Identification: Natural Enemies Gallery

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Predaceous midge (aphid midge)

Scientific name: Aphidoletes aphidimyza

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Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Family: Cecidomyiidae

Common hosts: Aphids, mites, and other small soft-bodied insects on many plants

Commercially available: Yes

DESCRIPTION Life Cycle

Adults are delicate flies with long, slender legs. They often stand with their antennae curled back over their head. Larvae have two projecting anal spiracles (small tubes) relatively close together at their rear ends.

Metamorphosis is complete. Eggs are orangish, oval, and only about 0.12 inch (3 mm) long. Larvae develop through three instars, are pale yellow to red or brown, and at maturity are about 2.5 mm (1/10 inch) long. Pupae are orange to brown, about 2 mm (1/12 inch) long, and occur beneath plants in litter where they may form cocoons made from soil particles, excrement, and aphid cast skins.

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