Psyllid-predator
Guides
Anthocoris
minute pirate bugs
Anthocoris is a genus of minute pirate bugs in the family Anthocoridae, containing at least 30 described species. These small predatory true bugs are important biological control agents in orchards and natural ecosystems, feeding on aphids, psyllids, mites, and other small arthropods. Several species have been studied extensively for their potential in integrated pest management, particularly in pear orchards and pistachio cultivation. The genus exhibits host-specific associations with particular tree species and prey types, with life cycles often synchronized to exploit seasonal aphid or psyllid populations.
Olla v-nigrum
Ashy Gray Lady Beetle
Olla v-nigrum is a small lady beetle (Coccinellidae) native to the Americas, commonly known as the ashy gray lady beetle. The species exhibits striking color polymorphism, occurring in both gray-with-black-spots and black-with-red-spots forms. It has been widely introduced outside its native range for biological control of psyllids and aphids, though its effectiveness is often compromised by parasitism and competition with other lady beetles. The species name refers to the distinctive V-shaped marking on the pronotum originally described by Mulsant.