Due to flood damage this organism will unavailable

for some time

Leptomastix
Citrus mealybug parasite

Leptomastix wasp with citrus mealybugDan Smith

Leptomastix dactylopii
Leptomastix is a highly specialised wasp parasite of the citrus mealybug Planococcus citri - a very
common pest of citrus, custard apples, persimmons and a wide range of ornamental plants in the subtropics and greenhouse environments. It is a very efficient parasitoid and particularly good at seeking
out mealybugs in their natural hiding places. Because of this trait, leptomastix are able to control
mealybugs in low-density infestations. Leptomastix is a small brown wasp about 3mm long with
distinctive antennae. The adult female wasp can lay up to 80 eggs. These are deposited individually into
3rd instar and adult mealybugs. The larvae of leptomastix develop fully within the mealybug, emerging
2-3 weeks later as adult wasps, ready to mate and continue the cycle.

Leptomastix life cycleChris Lambkin

Target pests
Citrus mealybug Planococcus citri
Citrus mealybug is a serious pest of citrus, custard apples, persimmons and many indoor and glasshouse
grown ornamental plants. Leptomastix will not control longtailed mealybug or citrophilous mealybug.
Mealybugs thrive in protected areas such as in the navel end and under the calyx of citrus fruit, in the
growing tips of many ornamental plants, and in flower buds. Mealybugs feed by sucking the sap from the
host plant. They produce large quantities of honeydew which encourages the growth of sooty moulds.
The citrus mealybug takes about 4 weeks to reach maturity in summer and can lay up to 500 eggs in a
white woolly egg mass.

Mealybugs are difficult to control with pesticides. This is largely due to their waxy covering, their habit of
feeding in sheltered areas, and the difficulty of achieving effective coverage. Mealybugs are also quick to
develop resistance to pesticides.

Adult male leptomastixDan Papacek

Suitable crops/environments
Leptomastix is suitable for controlling citrus mealybug in a range of crops and environments. They
perform best at temperatures of 25C and above. Sunshine and warmth will keep them active.
Leptomastix are specific parasitoids of the citrus mealybug Planococcus citri and will only attack this
species. Where other mealybug species occur, cryptolaemus beetles are the preferred biological control
agent. Like other wasp parasites, leptomastix prefers healthy, well-foliaged trees and plants that provide
shelter from the extremes of heat and low humidity. Dust is harmful to most beneficial species and
effective biological control may be difficult in dusty areas such as alongside roadways.

Before release
Leptomastix should be released into areas where evidence of mealybugs exists and into areas with a
history of mealybug infestation. It is best to commence releases before mealybug populations have
reached high levels.
In orchards, releases should commence in spring when temperatures are starting to rise and when
mealybugs first become evident.
In greenhouses and indoor plantscapes, leptomastix releases can be made throughout the year as long
as temperatures are warm and mealybugs are present.
Healthy crops with good foliage development will provide the best environment for establishment of the
wasps.
Avoid the use of toxic pesticides for at least two weeks before release (longer for indoor situations).

At release
Leptomastix are supplied in tubes of 100 adult wasps. Release by opening tubes near mealybug
infestations. The wasps will soon seek out suitable mealybugs into which to lay their eggs.

Recommended release rates

Orchards: Aim for 7,500 wasps per hectare as three releases of 2,500 per hectare at intervals of two
weeks.
Greenhouses and plantscapes: Aim for 10-15 wasps per square metre. For low mealybug populations and
to prevent mealybug build up, lower release rates of 5 wasps per square metre at intervals of two to
three weeks should suffice.

After release
It is difficult to detect the adult wasps after release because they spend most of their life cycle
developing within and feeding on mealybugs. Regular monitoring by an experienced scout is
recommended to check that the leptomastix have established. The presence of characteristic tanned,
leathery pupal cases will indicate successful establishment. As a guide, continue releasing until
leptomastix pupal cases can be found at 30% of mealybug-infested sites.

Leptomastix wasp with characteristic pupal casesDan Smith

Cultural practices to aid establishment

Farm practices that reduce wind, increase humidity and minimise dust in orchards will aid the
establishment of leptomastix. Windbreaks and overhead irrigation can help. Weeds and cover crops
between rows help to increase humidity and further reduce dust within the orchard. Some weeds can be
useful as a supply of nectar for adult leptomastix to feed on.
High populations of ants may interfere with parasites and reduce their performance. In these situations
ants should be controlled or excluded from the crop.

Chemical use
Like most beneficial insects, toxic pesticides may cause them great harm and hinder establishment. Most
nutritional sprays and many commonly applied fungicides are quite safe to leptomastix.
No synthetic pyrethroids should ever be used. Organophosphate and carbamate insecticides are toxic
and must also be avoided. If the latter are applied, at least four weeks should elapse before the release
of parasites. Drift of pesticides from neighbouring blocks should also be avoided. If a spray treatment is
deemed necessary call us to discuss your options.

Additional information
Leptomastix are usually despatched by express post and should be received within one or two days.
Honey is provided as a food for the adult wasps while in transit.
On arrival, leptomastix should be released as soon as possible. In the event of adverse weather such as
extreme heat or high rainfall, they may be stored if necessary for several days before release in a
darkened room at about 17C. They should never be refrigerated. Extra honey should be provided as
food for the wasps if the original supply has already been consumed.

Other natural enemies of mealybugs

Parasitic wasp Leptomastidea abnormis
Parasitic wasp Anagyrus spp.
Mealybug ladybird Cryptolaemus montrouzieri
Green lacewings Mallada signatus
Predatory fly Diadiplosis koebelei