Eretmocerus eremicus
Overview
Eretmocerus eremicus is a parasitoid wasp used for whitefly management in protected crops. It is often used alongside Encarsia formosa and is particularly valuable under warmer growing conditions.
Many growers use Eretmocerus and Encarsia together to provide broader and more resilient whitefly control.
Type
Parasitoid wasp.
Target Pests
Primary Targets
- Whitefly
- Glasshouse whitefly
Identification
Adults are tiny yellow parasitoid wasps.
Parasitised whitefly scales become discoloured and contain developing parasitoids.
Why Eretmocerus is Important
Eretmocerus performs well in warm crops and complements Encarsia programmes.
It helps provide continuous pressure on developing whitefly populations.
Environmental Preferences
Temperature
Optimal:
- 22–32°C
Light
Benefits from good light conditions.
Crops Commonly Used In
- Cucumbers
- Peppers
- Ornamentals
- Tomatoes
Strengths
- Excellent warm-weather performance
- Complements Encarsia
- Good whitefly suppression
- Proven greenhouse performance
Limitations
- Requires whitefly hosts
- Slower than chemical knockdown
- Sensitive to residues
Works Well With
- Encarsia formosa
- Amblyseius swirskii
- Macrolophus pygmaeus
Monitoring Establishment
Look for:
- Adult parasitoids
- Reduced whitefly populations
- Increasing parasitism