If you are looking for a natural, effective way to get rid of whitefly pests in your garden or greenhouse then Delphastus catalinae is a ladybug worth considering.
Whitefly Predator is a species of beneficial predator beetles that feed on whitefly eggs and nymphs, making them an ideal pest control solution.
In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide on how to care for Whitefly Predators and how to use them effectively in your garden.
Read on to learn more about setting up a habitat for this amazing type of ladybug!
| Characteristics: | |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Whitefly Predators |
| Family Name | Coccinellidae |
| Scientific Name | Delphastus catalinae |
| Use | Pest Control, Pets |
| Temperament | Non-aggressive |
| Lifespan | 1 to 2 months |
| Diet | Omnivorous |
| Adult Size | 1.3-1.4 mm |
| Breeding Type | Egg Layer |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Minimum Tank Size | 5 Gallon |
| pH | 7.0 to 7.8 |
| Hardness | Moderate |
| Temperature | 68-75°F |
What Are Whitefly Predators?
Delphastus catalinae are small beneficial predators in the family Coccinellidae, also known as ladybugs or ladybird beetles.
They are known for their voracious appetite for whitefly eggs and nymphs, making them an incredibly effective pest control solution.
These insects are commonly known as “Whitefly Predators” because they have evolved to specifically feed on whitefly pests.
What Do Whitefly Predators Look Like?
Delphastus catalinae are small beetles with a length of only 1.3 to 1.4 mm.
They have a reddish-brown color and are covered in short, rough hairs.
The beetles are oval-shaped and have prominent clubbed antennae.
Whitefly Predators have powerful jaws that are used to snip off the developing whitefly eggs.
The ladybugs are highly mobile and can move quickly through the foliage to find their targets.
They are especially adept at finding the hard-to-reach places where whiteflies like to hide.
The beetles are also equipped with special traits that make them better suited for catching prey, such as large eyes, long legs, and thick antennae that amplify their sense of smell.
Benefits Of Using Whitefly Predators
Introducing Delphastus catalinae into a vivarium can be a great way to naturally reduce and control whitefly infestations.
Whitefly Predators are non-chemical, biological pest controls that feed on whitefly eggs and nymphs, preventing them from developing and damaging your plants.
In addition, these micro predators are also an effective means of long-term control against pests like whiteflies, as they proliferate and outlast the whitefly population.
With D. catalinae, you can be sure you are providing an effective, natural means of control without introducing any additional chemicals or toxins into your miniature environment.
Whitefly Predator Facts
Delphastus catalinae are a species of small beetles that feed on whitefly eggs and nymphs, which makes them effective natural pest control in a garden or terrarium.
They are a gentle species that have a lifespan of around a few months and reproduce very quickly when conditions are favorable.
When disturbed, Whitefly Predators emit an unpleasant-smelling gas that helps to ward off predators.
This makes the beetles especially helpful in garden beds and greenhouses, as they can provide a natural defense against invading pests.
Habitat
Delphastus catalinae are native to North America and can be found across the continent, from Florida up to Canada.
They can also be found in other parts of the world, such as Colombia, South America.
Whitefly Predators are typically found in three types of habitats: gardens, greenhouses, and orchards.
Diet
Delphastus catalinae are predators that feed on whitefly eggs and nymphs.
They usually feed on immature forms of whiteflies, such as larvae and pupae, but they also go after adult whiteflies in some cases.
In their natural habitat, they can be found actively foraging for food in the foliage of whitefly-infested plants.
They are also attracted to certain odors produced by whitefly-infested plants.
When Whitefly Predators are hungry, they will also feed on a variety of other items as well.
As mentioned above, they prefer to feed on whitefly eggs and nymphs, but if the preferred food is unavailable, they will also often feed on mites, aphids, soft-bodied insect eggs, and larvae of several other kinds of insects.
They are adept hunters and have various adaptations that help them to find and consume food, such as large eyes for spotting prey and long legs for grasping food sources.
D. catalinae can also survive by feeding on things like dead animals, fungi, and decaying plant materials.
If there is a shortage of whitefly-related food sources, they can also feed on nectar or honeydew.
These predators are vital components of the ecosystem since they help to keep whitefly populations under control, limiting their damage to crops.
Temperament
Whitefly Predators are very docile and will not bite or sting humans or other animals when handled.
They can even be kept as pets! If handled correctly, they will rarely attempt to escape, preferring instead to explore.
Delphastus catalinae also makes great educational tools for kids, as they can be observed closely without any fear of harm.
These lady beetles are not aggressive and can even live in the same environment as other beneficial insects.
They have been known to co-exist with other predatory insects like common ladybugs and lacewings.
They can also benefit other beneficial insects by providing an extra source of insect prey, making them a great addition to any integrated pest management plan.
Lifespan
Whitefly Predators have an average lifespan of about a month or two.
They begin their life cycle as eggs that hatch into nymphs, which feed on whitefly eggs and nymphs.
This nymphal stage typically lasts about three weeks, at which point the nymphs will pupate into adult beetles.
As adults, Delphastus catalinae will feed on whitefly eggs and nymphs for eight to twelve weeks.
After this period, they will begin to mate and lay eggs, thus continuing the cycle.
These types of ladybugs are able to survive in a wide range of climates and temperatures but prefer temperatures between 65 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit with moderate humidity.
They prefer areas that are not exposed to direct sunlight and can live in soils of various types and moisture levels.
To maximize their lifespan, it’s helpful to provide them with food, a suitable environment, and plenty of hiding places.
By carefully monitoring the environment and providing appropriate habitat, Delphastus catalinae are capable of controlling whitefly populations in gardens and greenhouses.
They play a vital role in reducing the use of pesticides and are an effective, natural way to reduce destructive whitefly infestations.
Breeding
Whitefly Predators mate and reproduce primarily through sexual reproduction.
This means that an adult female will lay a clutch of eggs, which will then hatch in about a week.
During this time, the male beetle will fertilize the eggs, ensuring proper growth and development.
Once the eggs hatch, the larvae will feed on whitefly eggs and nymphs, maturing into an adult in about 3-4 weeks.
Where To Find Whitefly Predators
In some cases, it is possible to collect these beneficial insects from the wild, although it is good to note that you should never collect more than what is needed to control the whitefly population on your property.
If you are unable to find Delphastus catalinae in the wild, you can also purchase them from select agricultural supply stores and online retailers.
When purchasing Whitefly Predators online, it is good practice to make sure you are purchasing them from a reputable seller.
Whitefly Predator Care
When caring for Whitefly Predators, it is essential to provide them with an appropriate environment, feed them the right food, and introduce them to the garden in the right season.
Proper management and monitoring are also good to ensure the Predators effectively control whitefly population levels.
Tank Requirements
When housing Delphastus catalinae, you will want to provide them with the best possible environment.
They do best in a terrarium-style enclosure with a sandy terrarium substrate and natural vivarium plants they can hide in.
For paludariums, the ideal water pH is 7.0-7.8, the ideal hardness is 10-20 dGH, and the ideal temperature range is 20-24°C (68-75°F).
For terrarium lighting, a naturalistic LED bulb should be used to simulate natural daylight hours.
Lastly, while the Whitefly Predators will normally find all their food source in the tank, it’s still good to provide any supplemental food sources like vegetables or fruits.
What Do Whitefly Predators Eat?
Feeding Delphastus catalinae is relatively easy but it’s vital to get it right to ensure their continued effectiveness as pest control agents.
A steady supply of their preferred food sources is essential to their survival and success.
Whitefly Predators feed mainly on whitefly eggs and nymphs, so keep a regular supply of these pests available in your garden or enclosure.
Here is a list of things you can feed Whitefly Predator:
•Whitefly eggs and nymphs
•Aphids
•Scale insects
•Thrips
•Other small soft-bodied arthropods
These Predators need a steady supply of food, so make sure you monitor your garden or tank regularly to ensure there are enough of their preferred food sources available.
Additionally, you may have to supplement their diet with appropriate live food if their natural prey isn’t available in large enough quantities.
If you’re looking for a more detailed approach to feeding these critters, be sure to check out my ultimate DIY ladybug food guide. I give a more in-depth explanation of the best foods and my favorite recipe.
Best Tankmates For Whitefly Predators
To maximize the benefits of using Whitefly Predators, it is beneficial to provide tankmates with similar beneficial qualities that can help keep pests populations in check.
Examples of these tankmates include the predatory mite of the species Hypoaspis miles, common ladybugs, and Parasitoid Wasps.
The predatory mite of the species Hypoaspis miles feeds on other whitefly pests such as fungus gnats, thrips, and springtails.
Ladybugs feed on a variety of pests such as aphids, whiteflies, mites, and mealybugs.
Finally, Parasitoid Wasps are beneficial in that they lay their eggs on whitefly larvae and hatch to eat the larvae from the inside out.
When selecting tankmates for Delphastus catalinae, it is good to consider the best practice for the species and habitat as well as their ability to interact simultaneously without impacting one another.
Selecting the right tankmates can help optimize pest control in your garden or greenhouse.
Conclusion
Delphastus catalinae is an incredibly effective natural pest control option for getting rid of whiteflies in your garden.
By providing them with the right environment, feeding habits, and frequency, you can ensure the successful introduction of Whitefly Predators.
With this comprehensive care guide, you now have all the information you need to care for and use the predators effectively in your setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
The common name for Delphastus catalinae is the “Delphastus beetle” or the “whitefly predator beetle.”