Bemisia-argentifolii

Guides

• Nephaspis oculatus

  eyed lady

  Nephaspis oculatus is a small coccinellid beetle specialized as a predator of whitefly eggs. Under laboratory conditions at 26°C, development from egg to adult averages 22.7 days. The species exhibits highly specific feeding behavior, consuming only eggs of Bemisia argentifolii and rejecting nymphal and adult stages. Both larvae and adults are predatory, with consumption increasing through larval instars. The species has been evaluated for biological control potential against silverleaf whitefly in agricultural systems.

  coccinellidaewhitefly-predatorbiological-controlBemisia-argentifoliispecialized-predatoragricultural-pest-management