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How to Manage Pests
Identification: Natural Enemies Gallery
Aphidius spp.
Scientific name: Aphidius spp.
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Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Aphidiidae
Common hosts: Green peach aphid, melon aphid, pea aphid, and many other species, mostly aphids.
Commercially available: Some Aphidius species are available commercially.
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Aphidius adults are small wasps, typically less than 1/8 inch (3 mm) long. During their
larval stage, most Aphidius feed within the body of an aphid. Complete metamorphosis takes place within
the host. The female wasp lays an egg in an aphid. When the egg hatches, the wasp larva feeds inside the aphid.
As the larva matures the aphid is killed and becomes slightly puffy or mummified, usually turning tan or golden
in color. The adult parasite chews its way out of the mummy leaving a hole. The genus Aphidius contains
many species that provide biological control of aphids in agricultural crops, greenhouses, urban landscapes,
and home gardens.
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