Scale Parasitoid

(Hymenoptera)  Aphytis melinus

The adult parasitoid is a tiny yellow wasp. Adults feed on the scales and lay their eggs under the shell of immature scales. The eggs hatch, feed on the scale and after reaching adulthood emerge from the scale through a small hole cut in the shell. Temperatures between 70°F and 85°F and moderate to high humidity will favor the parasitoid's reproduction.