FAQ

HORPI is a Belgian company specializing in the large-scale production of Adalia bipunctata ladybugs for the natural control of aphids.

Hor = horticulture
pi = integrated production.

It is found throughout Europe. Very voracious, it feeds on many species of aphid.

Our ladybugs are suitable for private gardens, public green spaces and professional crops, both indoors and out.

No. But you can find a dealer in the "Buy" section of the site.

By following the instructions in the "Become a retailer" section of the site.

No. HORPI is hyper-specialized in the ladybug Adalia bipunctata, to ensure maximum quality and effectiveness.

Thanks to innovative breeding methods, constant monitoring and controlled logistics, every ladybug is in top shape and ready for action as soon as it's released.

Two-spotted ladybug. Contrary to popular belief, the number of dots does not indicate the age of the insect.

Yes, it occurs naturally throughout Europe. It is one of the 250 species of ladybug found in Europe.

Yes, because the Asian ladybug reproduces very quickly, is more resistant to winter and eats the eggs and larvae of the Adalia bipunctata ladybug, as well as other local species.

No, because the release is always targeted and involves limited numbers of ladybugs.

In spring, the adults emerge from overwintering. For a few weeks, they reproduce and lay yellow-orange egg packs (at least 10 eggs per pack) on leaves near aphid colonies. After 3 to 5 days, the eggs hatch.

The larvae that emerge from the eggs eat aphids and grow for 10 to 15 days. Once mature, they transform into immobile nymphs (chrysalises - like butterflies) and after 5 to 8 days the adults emerge, soft and yellowish at first, finally hardening and taking on their characteristic colors after a few hours.

The new adults eat aphids and lay eggs. And so the cycle begins again. They live for 2 to 3 months, but in autumn, the adults that appeared in July-August end up grouping together and seeking shelter (bark, leaf piles, cracks, sometimes houses) to spend the winter (overwintering).

Not necessarily, as it depends on aphid numbers and climatic conditions. If aphid populations drop the following year, there will be fewer ladybugs. And if the winter is very wet, overwintering adults may die.

Generally speaking, it is more effective to release larvae. However, it can be useful to release adults for preventive control (when aphid attacks begin) over a large area, or for prolonged control of a crop.

For optimum effect, release both larvae for rapid, localized action and adults for dispersal and oviposition.

No, because in the absence of aphids, the larvae quickly die and the adults quickly leave to find food elsewhere.

This is the best-known form, but adults can also be orange with 2 black spots, or black with red spots of varying shapes and sizes.

The "plate" (pronotum) between the head and body is always black with 2 large white lateral spots.

Yes, like all ladybugs, it flies very well.

Yes if it has very few or no aphids

Not necessarily. If larvae are released in a small greenhouse, there is a risk of dispersal towards the walls. If the aphid attack is heavy in a large greenhouse, then larvae should also be released in the most infested areas. If you are releasing other aphid control agents, it is preferable to release larvae (the adults may not lay eggs on infested plants).

Yes, because the box is designed to let air through, and their oxygen consumption is very low.

No, because in the absence of aphids, the larvae die off quickly.

Strongly recommended: ants protect aphids and can reduce the effectiveness of larvae.

No: they'll stay until they reach adulthood.

Yes, if there are still aphids present.

It's hard to know, but if the environment is very diverse (hedges, flowers, refuges, etc.), ladybugs can settle in naturally and return every year.

Not necessarily: if aphids are generally very present and cause significant damage, it's advisable to introduce larvae every year to balance out the situation.

Yes, and recommended when the infestation is already well established or the area to be treated is large.

Yes, but 2 or 3 days before release, it is advisable to reduce aphid populations by spraying with water or using a gentle, non-toxic treatment for ladybugs and other beneficial insects (black soap, ....).

Yes, our ladybug adults and larvae effectively target a wide range of aphids.

Absolutely, they come ready to use.

Availability is based on aphid attack periods; we inform you each year of the ordering windows.

We reserve batches for retailers who are part of the Horpi network, guaranteeing regular supplies and short delivery times.

Our ladybugs are dispatched rapidly via specially adapted transport, guaranteeing their freshness and viability.

Yes, if you can guarantee that quality and efficiency are maintained all the way to the end user; we value logistics on a case-by-case basis.

You gain access to a differentiating product, a growing market and logistical, marketing and technical support.

No, but we do provide a kit with everything you need to design your own user guide.

Fill in the "Become a reseller" form on our website, and our team will contact you to set up the collaboration.