Product: Live adults of Nephus conjunctus
Info: Ready to be released
Food: Ideal for the biological control of mealybugs
Price range: €79,90 through €129,90
Nephus conjunctus is a highly specialized predatory ladybird used in biological control programs against mealybugs and other wax-producing scale insects. Native to Southern Europe, this small coccinellid species is particularly valued for its ability to locate and suppress mealybug populations in environments where larger predators are less effective.
Adult Nephus conjunctus measure only 1.5–2 mm in length and actively search for prey in protected areas such as bark crevices, plant collars, dense foliage, and other sheltered microhabitats where mealybugs frequently establish colonies. Both adults and larvae are predatory, contributing to the long-term suppression of infestations.
Nephus conjunctus is one of the best biological control agents for early detection and suppression of mealybug infestations. Unlike many predators that require high prey densities, this species remains active and reproduces even when mealybug populations are still low, allowing preventive or early curative introductions.
Females can live for more than two months and lay up to 150 eggs during their lifetime, enabling the establishment of persistent predator populations under favorable conditions. Thanks to its small size and cryptic behavior, Nephus conjunctus can access areas of the plant that are difficult to reach for other biological control agents.
Compared to Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, the best-known mealybug predator, Nephus conjunctus is generally preferred when infestations are still at an early stage or when mealybug populations are sparse and scattered. While Cryptolaemus performs best under heavy infestations and warmer conditions, Nephus conjunctus remains active at lower prey densities and can be used over a wider seasonal window, from spring to late autumn.
Its smaller size also provides a significant advantage in crops where mealybugs hide under bark, inside plant crevices, or within dense canopies, such as grapevines, citrus trees, ornamental plants, and nursery crops. For severe outbreaks, Nephus conjunctus can also be used in combination with Cryptolaemus montrouzieri as part of an integrated biological control strategy.
Nephus conjunctus actively preys on numerous species of mealybugs, including citrus mealybug (Planococcus citri), vine mealybug (Planococcus ficus), long-tailed mealybug (Pseudococcus longispinus), and several other economically important mealybug species. Both larvae and adults contribute to pest suppression throughout their life cycle.
Nephus conjunctus is recommended for use on grapevines, citrus crops, ornamental plants, nurseries, greenhouses, indoor plants, and other agricultural or horticultural systems affected by mealybugs. The species performs effectively over a broad temperature range and can be introduced from spring through autumn.
Release the adults directly onto infested plants, concentrating applications around visible mealybug colonies and infestation hotspots. Early introductions generally provide the best results and may allow the predator population to establish before mealybug outbreaks occur. Repeated releases may be beneficial in cases of persistent infestations.
For maximum effectiveness, Nephus conjunctus should be released immediately after delivery. If necessary, the insects may be stored for a short period in a cool, dark place at approximately 10–14°C, following the instructions provided with the shipment.
For more information on choosing and using ladybirds for biological control, see our article How to use Ladybirds for biological pest control: different species and applications.
