This small black beetle has been used to control and eradicate almost every whitefly species of commercial importance, from the “Giant” whitefly on Eucalyptus in California, to Bemisia in Poinsettia.
It is native to Florida where its’ natural host is, Bemisia. Because of this, Delphastus will seek out and destroy any Bemisia colonies before it moves on to other species of whitefly.
Being sub-tropical in origin, it is not affected by day-length or temperature. It has been used in almost every protected crop as well as in cotton fields in Texas. It was developed by Lance Osborne at the University of Florida.
