Advanced Search

Minute Pirate Bug, for Thrips

Orius insidiosus

Orius is a predatory bug that feeds on many species of small, soft-bodied insects, especially Western flower thrips. All stages of Orius move very quickly. The adults are good flyers and move efficiently to locate prey. Orius are generalist predators that consume a variety of pests including mites, aphids, and small caterpillars. They are most effective for pest with life stages that inhabit flowers. Optimum conditions are temperatures over 50 F [15 C] with relative humidity over 60%. Typical greenhouse temperatures of 64-82 F [18-20 C] and humidity are suitable for Orius development. Orius are packaged 500 in a bottle with a carrier of buckwheat hulls. Sprinkle on plants to distribute, as soon as possible after they arrive. (Photograph courtesy Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, www.insectimages.org.) Photograph shows destruction from Thrips.