Podiline Podisus maculiventris

  • Podiline image
  • Podiline image

Podiline contains the predatory bug Podisus maculiventris. This species is sometimes called the ‘spined soldier bug’. It is a large and distinctive bug which is a generalist predator of larger, soft-bodied pests. It’s particularly good for controlling a wide range of Lepidopteran pests because it can kill caterpillars that are much larger than itself.
Please note, this product is currently only available in USA and Canada.

Key Features

  • Both adults and nymphs are predatory
  • Can be used to control larger caterpillars and beetle larvae which other predators will not tackle
  • Large and visible in the crop to help monitoring
  • Generalist predator so a good all round support for an IPM program
  • Strong flight ability to search greenhouse for pests

Main uses

  • Caterpillars
  • Loopers
  • Beetle Larvae

How It Works

Adults and nymphs of this species are both very active and will search the crop to find the pests. Once they find the pest, they will kill them by injecting a poison (only harmful to insects). Once the prey has been injected with the posison, the Podisus will begin to consume it. Podisus is relatively long lived, with each adult female surviving up to 3 months, but it can be slow to develop, so it should be released early in the crop cycle.

Available delivery systems

Available in Blister packs with a total of 100 nymphs per blister

Handling & Storage

Instructions for use

  • Open the box in the greenhouse.
  • Remove blister packs and separate along perforations.
  • Bend the card forward slightly at the top of the blister, and pull the tab up.
  • Hang opened blister onto leaf petioles within crop.
  • Maker sure to place blister packs in areas protected from direct sunlight and high heat.

Storage and transport

  • Transport and store at 6-10ºC
  • Keep out of direct sunlight
  • Use within 18 hours of receipt