Aphipar

Aphipar (Aphidius colemani) — Aphid Parasitoid Mummies for Aphid Control
Aphipar contains the mummified aphid stage of Aphidius colemani, a proven biological control agent for aphids. These mummies contain developing parasitoids that emerge as adults shortly after release. Once emerged, adult females locate aphid colonies and parasitize them by laying eggs inside aphids. The developing parasitoid kills the aphid and continues the cycle. Aphipar is chemical-free, IPM-compatible, and safe for use in greenhouses, nurseries, orchards, flower beds, interiorscapes, outdoor landscapes, indoor plants including houseplants and more.

Sustained activity: Each female parasitizes up to 200 aphids, creating new mummies and continuing the cycle
Species-specific targeting: Highly effective against small to medium aphid species such as cotton aphid and green peach aphid

Use For
Aphipar targets many common aphid species, including:

Cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii)
Tobacco aphid (Myzus persicae var. nicotianae)
Peach-potato aphid (Myzus persicae var. persicae)
Other small to medium aphid species on ornamentals and vegetables

When to Use Aphipar
Use wherever aphids are present. Effective across all growing environments.

Recommended for:
First sign of aphid presence — introduce Aphipar as soon as aphids are detected to prevent population buildup
Hotspots and hard-to-reach areas — target growing tips and protected zones where sprays cannot penetrate
Persistent aphid pressure — Repeat introduction of Aphipar to control aphids early in season

Choosing Between Aphipar, Aphipar-M, and Ervipar
Aphipar (Aphidius colemani): Best for small to medium aphid species such as cotton aphid and green peach aphid
Aphipar-M (Aphidius matricariae): Preferred for potato aphid and other medium aphid species in cooler conditions or plants with persistent aphid pressure
Ervipar (Aphidius ervi): Ideal for large aphid species like foxglove aphid and glasshouse potato aphid, especially in dense colonies or high-pressure environments

How It Works
Mode of Action: Adults emerge from mummies and parasitize aphids by laying eggs inside them. The developing larva kills the aphid and forms a new mummy
Behavior: Parasitoids move actively through foliage, searching for aphid colonies
Visual Effect: Parasitized aphids turn into brown, leathery mummies

Parasitism Timeline:
Adults begin emerging within 1–3 days of release
First new mummies appear in the crop 10–14 days after introduction
Each female can parasitize up to 200 aphids during her lifetime
Adults live for ~10–14 days under optimal conditions

Lifecycle of Aphidius colemani
Egg and Larval Stage (inside aphid)
Egg hatches inside aphid; larva consumes internal tissues. Aphid dies and becomes a brown mummy.
Pupal Stage (inside mummy)
Parasitoid pupates inside the aphid mummy for ~7–10 days before adult emergence.
Adult Stage
Small, black parasitoid wasps. Females seek aphid colonies and parasitize multiple hosts daily.

Release Rates & Application

Application Notes:
Spread mummies on rockwool slabs or place in Diboxes
Keep material dry and undisturbed for several days
Avoid placing mummies directly on wet surfaces
Open among plants in the greenhouse.
With the vial held horizontally at 45° angle, carefully remove the lid.
Release adult parasites evenly by gently tapping the opened vial while walking through the crop.

Recap the vial and store at greenhouse temperature until more adults have hatched.
Repeat the distribution of adults daily for 2-4 days.
Place the open vial containing the remaining mummies upright near plants for 3-4 days.
Make introductions early in the day or in late afternoon/early evening.

Instructions for Release

Release weekly at low rates as aphids begin to appear. If aphid colonies become established, make localized hotspot treatments. If aphids are suspected of transmitting virus or populations are high, use a compatible chemical control before releasing Aphidius colemani. Do not spray between release of adults and mummy formation.

Best Working Conditions
Temperature: Most effective between 68–77°F
Humidity: Moderate RH supports emergence and activity

Compatibility Guidance
Allow residues from oils or soaps to dry before application
For pesticide/chemical compatibility details, check our Natural Enemies – Chemical Compatibility and Beneficial Insect & Pesticide Compatibility Table
Can be used with other aphid biocontrol agents such as Aphidend

Product Specifications
Pack Size: 500 mummies
Presentation: 100 mL bottle
Carrier: Buckwheat hulls
Appearance: Brown aphid mummies mixed with carrier

Storage & Handling
Store at 50–59°F in the dark
Use within 24 hours of receipt
Keep containers closed until release
Store horizontally

What to Expect
Adults begin emerging within 1–3 days of release. Parasitized aphids turn into mummies within 10–14 days. New adults emerge and continue parasitizing aphids. Reapply based on scouting observations to maintain control and prevent resurgence.

Recommended IPM Pairings
Aphidend (Aphidoletes aphidimyza) — Predatory gall midge larvae consume live aphids directly, providing rapid knockdown without mummy formation and complementing Aphipar’s long-term parasitism.
Aphipar-M (Aphidius matricariae) — Performs best on medium aphid species like potato aphid in cooler conditions or crops with persistent aphid pressure.
Ervipar (Aphidius ervi) — Targets large aphid species such as foxglove aphid and glasshouse potato aphid, ideal for dense colonies and high-pressure environments.
Isarid® Mycoinsecticide — Adds a fungal mode of action for aphids and other soft-bodied pests in high-pressure zones; fully compatible with parasitoids.
Dune™ — Enhances plant resilience against sucking pests like aphids, reducing overall pest pressure and supporting long-term IPM stability.
Essential Oil Knockdown (e.g., neem-based) — For pre-release reduction of heavy aphid populations; apply Aphipar after residues have dried.

FAQs

Does Aphipar kill aphids immediately?
No. Aphipar begins working as soon as adults emerge from the mummies—typically within 1–3 days of release. These adults immediately start parasitizing aphids by laying eggs inside them. The aphid remains alive for a short period while the parasitoid develops internally. Over the next 10–14 days, the aphid hardens into a brown, leathery mummy—the visible sign that the parasitoid has completed development and will soon emerge to repeat the cycle.

Does Aphipar contain adults?
No—Aphipar contains aphid mummies. Adults emerge shortly after release and begin parasitizing aphids.

How soon will I see results?
Adult parasitoids start emerging within 1–3 days of release. Visible mummies appear in the crop approximately 10–14 days after introduction.

Can I use Aphipar with other aphid predators?
Yes—Aphipar can be combined with other aphid biocontrol agents such as Aphidend for complementary control.