Woolly Apple Aphid Parasite

General Description

Hosts

This parasitic wasp provides very effective biological control of the woolly apple aphid in the absence of harmful pesticides.

Damage

Identification

Egg - inserted into body of aphid, 0.007 – 0.21 mm

Larva - elongated, shield shaped, develops inside host.

Adult - shiny black wasp, short antennae, inconspicuous in orchard, jumps rather than fly.

Life History

Woolly apple aphid parasite overwinters as larva or pupae inside dead woolly apple aphid bodies. Adults emerge when nymphs are being produced in the spring.

Monitoring

Look for hardened black woolly apple aphid mummies, some will have circular exit holes made by adult wasps as they emerge from aphid. Cultural practices that encourage predators such as lady beetles, syrphid fly larvae, green lacewings will enhance biological control of woolly apple aphids.

Management

Funding for this project was provided in part by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture through programs delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of B.C.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC, are pleased to participate in the delivery of this project. We are committed to working with our industry partners to address issues of importance to the agriculture and agri-food industry in British Columbia. Opinions expressed in this publication are those of the BCFGA and not necessarily those of the Investment Agriculture Foundation, the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture or Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

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