Whitefly-predator
Guides
Clitostethus
dusky lady beetles
Clitostethus is a genus of minute lady beetles (Coccinellidae: Scymninae) comprising over 40 species. Members are recognized as specialized predators of whiteflies (Aleyrodidae). Several species have been evaluated as biological control agents against agricultural pests including Bemisia tabaci and Siphoninus phillyreae. The genus was established by Weise in 1885 and includes species formerly classified under Nephaspis.
Clitostethus arcuatus
Horseshoe Ladybird
Clitostethus arcuatus is a minute ladybird beetle in the subfamily Scymninae, measuring 1.3–1.5 mm as an adult. Native to Europe, it has been introduced or reported from Bermuda and is expanding its range northward in European Russia. It serves as an important biological control agent of whitefly pests, particularly the ash whitefly Siphoninus phillyreae, and has been evaluated for augmentation biocontrol programs.
Delphastus
whitefly destroyers
Delphastus is a genus of small predatory lady beetles in the family Coccinellidae, tribe Serangiini. The genus contains approximately 7-20 described species, with several species commercially utilized as biological control agents of whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in agricultural and ornamental systems. Species such as D. catalinae, D. pusillus, and D. pallidus are well-documented predators of immature whitefly stages, feeding on eggs and nymphs of multiple whitefly species including Bemisia tabaci, B. argentifolii, Trialeurodes vaporariorum, and Singhiella simplex. The genus is characterized by specialized predatory behavior on whiteflies, with documented functional response curves and prey preferences varying by species and whitefly life stage.
Delphastus catalinae
Whitefly Predatory Lady Beetle
Delphastus catalinae is a minute predatory lady beetle (Coccinellidae) specialized in feeding on whiteflies (Aleyrodidae). Adults measure 1.40–1.50 mm with a medium reddish-brown body and slightly darker median pronotum. The species name derives from Latin 'catalinae' meaning fierce, referring to its forbidding head and mouthpart appearance. It is widely used as a biological control agent against pest whiteflies including Bemisia argentifolii, Bemisia tabaci, and Aleurothrixus trachoides in agricultural systems. Mass rearing protocols have been developed using whitefly-infested poinsettia plants, with production costs estimated at $0.22 per adult beetle.
Delphastus pusillus
Whitefly Destroyer
Delphastus pusillus is a minute coccinellid beetle specialized as a predator of whiteflies. Adults measure approximately 1.6 mm (1/16 in) and are shiny black with brown heads, though newly emerged individuals appear pale brown to nearly white. The species is a voracious predator of all whitefly life stages, with demonstrated preference for eggs and first-instar nymphs. It has been widely studied as a biological control agent for agricultural whitefly pests including Bemisia tabaci and Trialeurodes vaporariorum. Both larvae and adults are active predators capable of consuming over 100 whitefly eggs daily under optimal conditions.
Dicyphini
Dicyphini is a tribe of plant bugs in the subfamily Bryocorinae (family Miridae). Members are predominantly zoophytophagous, combining predation on agricultural pests with facultative plant feeding. Several species are commercially used as biological control agents in greenhouse vegetable production, particularly for whiteflies and lepidopteran pests on tomato and other Solanaceae crops. The tribe includes subtribes Dicyphina, Monaloniina, and Odoniellina, with genera such as Dicyphus, Macrolophus, Nesidiocoris, and Engytatus.
Dicyphus
Dicyphus is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae containing at least 70 described species. Several species, including D. hesperus, D. hyalinipennis, and D. tamanini, are zoophytophagous predators used in biological control of crop pests. The genus exhibits considerable variation in feeding ecology, with some species being primarily phytophagous while others are important predators of whiteflies, thrips, and other horticultural pests.
Geocoris lividipennis
bigeyed bug
Geocoris lividipennis is a predatory true bug in the family Geocoridae, commonly known as bigeyed bugs. The species is recognized as a beneficial insect in agricultural systems, where it serves as a natural enemy of various crop pests. Adults and nymphs are generalist predators that feed on small arthropods and their eggs. The species has a broad distribution across the Americas and Caribbean islands.
Nephaspis
minute lady beetles
Nephaspis is a genus of minute lady beetles in the family Coccinellidae. Species within this genus are specialized predators of whiteflies, particularly Bemisia argentifolii, and have been extensively studied as biological control agents. The genus was established by Casey in 1899. Many species formerly placed in Nephaspis have been reclassified to Clitostethus. The best-studied species, N. oculatus, exhibits a Type II functional response to prey density and completes development from egg to adult in approximately 24 days at 26°C.
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.