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Lady Beetles Feeding on Beneficial Wasps

Lady Beetles Feeding on Beneficial Wasps
Lady Beetles Feeding on Beneficial Wasps

This picture was submitted by a grower. The cup was full of bulk parasitic wasp mix for whitefly control. The grower had been running late and had an un-opened bag of lady beetles. The beetles were quickly distributed, not considering what other biocontrol releases had been made. A rainy, cool week followed. When plants were scouted the following week - the grower found the lady beetles feeding on the parasitic wasps (the grower commented that with a handlens, the ladies could be seen with tiny cheese balls and wine glasses having a nice lunch!)

This could be an expensive lesson.