Encarsia formosa Delphastus pusillus Eretmocerus nr. These tiny, black and yellow wasps are effective against several soft-scale species, including brown scale. The females lay their eggs under the body of first and second stage scales. The grubs feed on scales and develop into adults within 2 weeks.
Adults also provide control by feeding on nonparasitized scales.
Metaphycus are most effective in semi-tropical conditions. Release adults at 2-3 week intervals and as necessary thereafter. Monitor plants weekly and manually remove mature adult scale to facilitate control. Good control can be expected within 28-32 days. Encarsia formosa Delphastus pusillus Eretmocerus nr.