Eretmocerus eremicus

Whitefly control with the parasitic wasp Eretmocerus eremicus

Eretmocerus eremicus is a small parasitic wasp belonging to the family Aphelinidae. This beneficial insect is used as an important biological control agent of whiteflies in agricultural and horticultural settings.

Eretmocerus eremicus is used for the control of the following pests:

Tobacco whitefly (Bemisia tabaci)
Greenhouse whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum)

The parasitic wasp Eretmocerus eremicus is available at Koppert as Ercal.

Eretmocerus eremicus products

Enermix

Ercal

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How to use Eretmocerus eremicus

The natural enemy Eretmocerus eremicus is available on cardboard strips as single species (Ercal) and in combination with Encarsia formosa (Enermix).

Open package carefully inside the greenhouse
Bend and tear off the strips opposite to the mounting hole
Make sure not to touch the pupae during handling
Suspend the cards in the crop, if possible approximately 75 cm under the plant head
Avoid to hang cards at places exposed to direct sunlight

The dosage of Ercal or Enermix depends on climate, crop and whitefly density and should always be adjusted to the particular situation. Start introduction preventively soon after planting of the crop. Introduction rates typically range from 1-10 per m2/release. Releases should be repeated at least 3 times at weekly intervals or until control is achieved. Depending on the specific situation, it may be better to switch to the use of En-strip or Enermix/Ercal. Consult a Koppert advisor or a recognized distributor of Koppert products for advice on the best strategy for your situation.

Behaviour of the parasitic wasp Eretmocerus eremicus

Eretmocerus eremicus is a highly effective parasitic wasp used in biological control programs. This wasp exhibits a fascinating parasitic behavior: the female lays her eggs inside the immature whitefly nymphs, and upon hatching, the larvae consume the host from within. The larvae use their specialized mouthparts to feed on the internal tissues of the whitefly, leading to the host’s death and contributing to a decline in whitefly populations. Eretmocerus eremicus is particularly noted for its adaptability in varying environmental conditions and its efficiency in reducing whitefly infestations. Adults of this species do not feed on whiteflies but instead rely on nectar and honeydew for nourishment.

Life cycle and appearance of Eretmocerus eremicus

The life cycle of Eretmocerus eremicus involves an egg stage, three larval instars (including a pre-pupal stage after the third instar), a pupa, and finally the adult wasp. Females prefer the second and third larval instars of whiteflies for egg-laying, depositing eggs beneath the larvae. The egg initially appears transparent, turning light brown after two to three days, and hatches when the whitefly reaches its fourth instar. The larva then penetrates the host, moulting to the second instar to feed. During the third instar, the larva fills the host pupa, and the pre-pupal stage marks the transition to the pupal stage, where major morphological changes occur. The adult wasp, visible through the pupal cuticle, gnaws an exit hole to emerge. Females are lemon-yellow with green compound eyes and red ocelli, measuring about 0.75 mm, while males are slightly smaller, dark yellow to brown, with distinguishing antennae differences.