Ervipar

Ervipar (Aphidius ervi) — Large Aphid Parasitoid Mummies
Ervipar contains the mummified aphid stage of Aphidius ervi, a powerful biological control agent for large aphid species. These mummies contain developing parasitoids that emerge as adults shortly after release. Once emerged, adult females seek out aphid colonies, lay eggs inside aphids, and stop feeding immediately. The developing parasitoid kills the aphid and continues the cycle. Ervipar is chemical-free, IPM-compatible, and safe for use in greenhouses, nurseries, interiorscapes, outdoor landscapes, and indoor crops including ornamentals, vegetables, fruiting plants, and cannabis.

High parasitism capacity — Each female can parasitize up to 300 aphids during her lifetime
Specialized targeting — Ideal for large-bodied aphid species such as potato aphid and glasshouse potato aphid

Use For
Targets large aphid species, including:

Potato aphid (Macrosiphum euphorbiae)
Glasshouse potato aphid (Aulacorthum solani)
Tobacco aphid (Myzus persicae var. nicotianae)

When to Use Ervipar
Use wherever large aphid species are present and fast, targeted biological control is needed.
Recommended for:
First sign of large aphid presence — introduce Ervipar as soon as potato or glasshouse aphids are detected
Hotspots and hard-to-reach areas — target growing tips, leaf folds, and protected zones sprays cannot penetrate
Low to high aphid pressure — apply higher rates and repeat introductions until colonies are suppressed

Choosing Between Aphipar, Aphipar-M, and Ervipar
Aphipar (A. colemani) — Best for cotton aphid and green peach aphid in warm conditions
Aphipar-M (A. matricariae) — Preferred for tobacco and peach-potato aphids in cooler conditions
Ervipar (A. ervi) — Ideal for potato aphid, glasshouse potato aphid, and tobacco aphid in moderate temperatures

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 tan or bronze and become mummies

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

Lifecycle of Aphidius ervi
Egg & Larval Stage — Egg hatches inside aphid; larva consumes internal tissues; aphid dies and becomes a mummy
Pupal Stage — Parasitoid pupates inside mummy for ~7–10 days
Adult Stage — Larger black parasitoid wasps with long antennae; females 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
Begin releases at first sign of aphid presence
Repeat based on scouting and pressure level
Adjust rates for crop type, climate, and aphid density

Instructions for use
Do not keep the container closed while waiting for mummies to hatch because it may reduce the hatch rates. Release weekly at low rates as aphids begin to appear in the crop. If aphid colonies become established, make localized hotspot treatments or intervene at the economic threshold with a compatible insecticide. If aphids are suspected of transmitting a virus or populations are high, use a compatible chemical before releasing Ervipar. Do not spray between release of adults and mummy formation.

Open in the greenhouse.
Walk around the area to be treated, holding the bottle open at a 45º angle, releasing emerged adults into the air.
Distribute adults evenly over the area. Recap the bottle and store at greenhouse temperature until more adults have hatched.
Repeat the distribution of adults daily for 2-4 days until most adults have emerged from the bottle OR tie the vial so it hangs among the leaves, and leave the vial in the greenhouse for 3-4 days allowing remaining parasites to escape as they emerge from the mummies.
Finish by placing open bottle in the greenhouse next to plants in case more hatch.
Make introductions early in the day or in late afternoon/early evening.
Aphidius ervi can also be reared on banker plants.

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

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 emerge within 1–3 days; parasitized aphids turn into mummies in 10–14 days. New adults continue parasitizing aphids. Reapply based on scouting to maintain control and prevent resurgence.

Recommended IPM Pairings
Aphidend (Aphidoletes aphidimyza) — Rapid knockdown without mummy formation; complements Ervipar’s long-term parasitism
Aphipar or Aphipar-M — For smaller aphid species or mixed colonies
Isarid® Mycoinsecticide — Adds fungal mode of action for aphids and soft-bodied pests; fully compatible with parasitoids
Dune™ — Improves plant resilience against sucking pests, reducing overall aphid pressure
Horiver Yellow Sticky Traps — For monitoring winged aphids and secondary pests; essential for scouting
Essential Oil Knockdown (e.g., neem-based) — For pre-release reduction of heavy aphid populations; apply after residues dry

FAQs

Does Ervipar kill aphids immediately?
No—Ervipar begins working as soon as adults emerge from the mummies, typically within 1–3 days of release. Females immediately start parasitizing aphids by laying eggs inside them. The aphid stops feeding shortly after parasitism but remains alive while the parasitoid develops internally. Over the next 10–14 days, the aphid hardens into a tan or bronze mummy—the visible sign that the parasitoid has completed development and will soon emerge to repeat the cycle.

Does Ervipar contain adults?
No—Ervipar contains aphid mummies, not live adults. Adults emerge within 1–3 days under optimal conditions (68–77°F, moderate humidity) and begin searching for aphid colonies immediately. Each female can parasitize up to 300 aphids during her lifetime.

How soon will I see results?
Adult parasitoids start emerging within 1–3 days of release. Initial parasitism occurs immediately after emergence, but visible mummies appear in the crop approximately 10–14 days after introduction. Adults live for about 10–14 days under optimal conditions, ensuring sustained activity.

Can I use Ervipar with other aphid predators?
Yes—Ervipar integrates well into IPM programs. It can be combined with Aphidend (Aphidoletes aphidimyza) for rapid knockdown without mummy formation, or with Aphipar and Aphipar-M for broader aphid species coverage. Always allow residues from oils or soaps to dry before release and check compatibility charts for chemical sprays.