The parasitic wasp Diglyphus isaea is small (2 mm long) and black with a metallic green sheen. A female lays an average of 60 eggs during her lifespan. Prior to oviposition, the female paralyses the leafminer larva and then inserts one to several eggs through the leaf, placing them adjacent to the host. The parasitoid larvae hatch within 2 days and while feeding on the leafminer larva externally, they pass through 3 instars during the next 6 days.
After consuming the leafminer larva, the parasitoid's mature larvae turn to turquoise pupae within the mine, not before placing its feces (meconia) in a typical symmetrical order on both sides of its body. The pupae then turn black before adults emerge through a hole chewed in the upper surface of the leaf, 6 to 9 days later.  
 
The adult parasitoid performs especially well during the hot conditions of mid-summer (temperatures above 30°C). It can also feed on the body fluids of the leafminer larvae to obtain protein - an essential ingredient of its diet - to maintain egg production. This activity, known as predatory host feeding, kills the host, in addition to mortality caused by active parasitization.

Two pupae of D. isaea within a leafminer mine.
           
 
APPLICATION
A commercial package of MIGLYPHUS®.   D. isaea is packed as adults in small containers of 500 or 1,000 individuals each. The parasitoid is applied while walking in between the plants, opening the container's lid and letting the wasps fly out towards the plants.
Application of MIGLYPHUS® should be carried out either early in the morning or late in the afternoon, under relatively mild temperatures.

MIGLYPHUS® is shipped in isolated styrofoam boxes chilled with icepacks. This packaging must be kept intact till it reaches the end-user. When applied, the containers should be taken from shipment package one by one and the parasitoids should be released immediately.

If necessary, MIGLYPHUS® can be stored for 24 hours at a temperature of 6-8°C from the minute of arrival until release. The product should never be frozen. 
 
A good and reliable monitoring system of the leafminer is an essential prerequisite to any introduction of the parasitoid. Once the initial signs of leafminer damage are detected (feeding/oviposition punctures, small mines), first introduction of parasitic wasps should be carried out.

The number of wasps at first introduction, as well as following introductions, depends upon the degree of leafminer infestation and the rate of naturally occurring parasitism.
 
About 3 weeks following the release of the parasitoids (depending upon temperature), a clear indication of active parasitism is visible. The subsequent established generations of the parasitic wasp are expected to effectively control the leafminer throughout the entire growing period of the crop.

The parasitoid is susceptible (to a certain degree) to the common pesticides that are used to fight other pests in the crop. Therefore, before applying any pesticide, the user should consult Bio-Bee's field advisors and ask for updated information concerning side effects of pesticides on the leafminer parasitoid