Macrolophus caliginosus

Description

The predatory aphid Macrolophus attacks the two-spotted mite and thrips Echnothrips americanus and butterfly eggs, and some aphids and minnow larvae have also been introduced as hosts of this predator.
The development speed of this species is faster on whiteflies. Adults can survive for some time by feeding on plant sap.
Three days after mating, females lay eggs in plant tissue. Nymphs hatch after about 11 days at 25°C and after 37 days at 15°C.
The lifespan of female aphids at 15 and 25°C has been reported to be 19 and 58 days, respectively.
The fecundity of female aphids during their lifetime is about 100-250. If they feed on whiteflies, they have a higher fecundity compared to aphids and mites.
This aphid feeds on about 40-50 whitefly eggs daily.
This aphid can be used in combination with Encarcia on tomatoes and eggplants against whiteflies.