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Encarsia formosa whitefly parasites target Greenhouse Whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum) and provide limited control of Sweet Potato Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). Encarsia formosa is not recommended for control of other species of whitefly. They are shipped as developing pupae on hanging tabs. Encarsia formosa can be used in conjunction with other beneficial predators and parasites including Green Lacewing, Delphastus catalinae and/or Eretmocerus eremicus. See our Whitefly Control page for alternative beneficial insects and control options.
Release Encarsia formosa prior to or at the first sign of whitefly infestation. When used preventatively in an Integrated Pest Management program, Encarsia formosa can greatly reduce labor and control costs due to their relatively low cost and their mode of action. Combine whitefly parasite releases with green lacewing and biorational controls, like Beauveria bassiana, for consistent monitoring and continued control.
NOTE: Remove yellow sticky traps from the area before releasing E. formosa.
Appearance: Adult female Encarsia formosa are black with a yellow abdomen, transluscent wings and measure approximately 0.6 mm. Males are present in much lower numbers than females and are darker in color.
Life Cycle: Adult Encarsia formosa emerge from their pupae over a period of 1-2 weeks. They actively lay eggs in 2nd-4th instar (nymph) stages of whiteflies from which Encarsia formosa larvae hatch out. The parasitoid larvae feed on developing whiteflies for around three weeks until reaching adulthood, when they emerge to lay more eggs (oviposit) in hosts. They can live for up to one month as adults and lay up to 200 eggs in that period. Parasitized whitefly pupae turn black or brown and emergence holes are evident under magnification.
Optimal Conditions: Encarsia formosa do best in temperatures of 68° – 77°F and relative humidity <70%. Since these are optimal conditions, Encarsia formosa remain effective outside of those temperature and humidity ranges; however, lower temperatures can inhibit reproduction, mobility and maturation. E. formosa cannot fly below 62°F.
Save with a Weekly Encarsia formosa Program - Receive 1,000 or 3,000 Encarsia eggs every week for 3 to 12 weeks. A minimum of 3 shipments is required for the program. Set the quantity to the number of shipments you would like to receive. For specific shipment dates, please specify those dates in the Special Instructions/Comments box during checkout.
This Product Controls These Pests or Diseases: Greenhouse Whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum), Sweet Potato Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci)