Microterys flavus |

Last updated: 23/08/2025
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(Also known as: Microterys nietneri) |
The following alerts are based on the data in the tables below. An absence of an alert does not imply the substance has no implications for human health, biodiversity or the environment but just that we do not have the data to form a judgement. These hazard alerts do not take account of usage patterns or exposure, thus do not represent risk.
Environmental fate |
Ecotoxicity |
Human health |
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A small parasitic wasp that may be used for the biocontrol of soft scale |
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Soft brown scale (Coccus hesperidum); Black scale (Saissetia oleae) |
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Citrus; Fruit trees; Other economically important trees; Some woody shrubs |
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It is less effective in controlling some soft scale species |
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Small (~2mm long) parasitic wasp. Females are yellow, males are black. Their wings and antennae are marked with a pattern of black and white bands. Female lays her eggs usually in the second instar of the host. Pupation occurs inside the body of the host, where the developed larvae also overwinter. |
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Class: Insecta; Order: Hymenoptera; Family: Encyrtidae |
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Not applicable |
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Not applicable |
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Not applicable |
EC Regulation 1107/2009 (repealing 91/414) |
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Not applicable |
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Not applicable |
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Not applicable |
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Not applicable |
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No |
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ATAustria |
BEBelgium |
BGBulgaria |
CYCyprus |
CZCzech Republic |
DEGermany |
DKDenmark |
EEEstonia |
ELGreece |
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ESSpain |
FIFinland |
FRFrance |
HRCroatia |
HUHungary |
IEIreland |
ITItaly |
LTLithuania |
LULuxembourg |
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LVLatvia |
MTMalta |
NLNetherlands |
PLPoland |
PTPortugal |
RORomania |
SESweden |
SISlovenia |
SKSlovakia |
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ISIceland |
NONorway |
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Not applicable |
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Yes |
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Insectivore |
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Macro-organism |
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Natural |
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Parasitism and consumption |
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Uncertainty exists regarding its origin. It is native either to Southeast Asia and was accidentally introduced into California or it was imported from Pakistan in the 1950s |
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Crop protection; Forestry; Woodland management; Interior landscape management |
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Soft brown scale (Coccus hesperidum); Black scale (Saissetia oleae) |
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Citrus; Fruit trees; Other economically important trees; Some woody shrubs |
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Suitable for use in all farming systems where approved for use in that country |
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Microterys flavus Howard |
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Most countries require a licence to be issued before non-native macro-organisms may be released as biocontrol agents |
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Not applicable |
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Not applicable |
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Not applicable |
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Not applicable |
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Living organism |
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1987, first used as a biocontrol agent |
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- Entocare CV
- Sautter & Stepper
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Usually suppled as adult wasps |
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Commercial insect rearing begins with selecting high-quality breeding stock and maintaining ideal environmental conditions to support egg laying and larval development. Insects are housed in modular trays or bins and fed organic substrates close to their natural diet. Automated systems regulate climate, airflow, and carbon dioxide levels to ensure uniform growth and prevent disease outbreaks. Once larvae reach maturity, they are separated from the substrate, cleaned, and processed into protein-rich products for use. The remaining frass (insect waste) is repurposed as a nutrient-rich fertiliser, making insect farming a circular and sustainable enterprise. |
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According to environmental studies, insect farming can produce as little as 1–5 kg CO₂e per kg of insect biomass, depending on species, feed type, and energy sources used. |
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As this parameter is not normally measured directly, a surrogate measure is used: ‘Photochemical oxidative DT₅₀’. Where data is available, this can be found in the Fate Indices section below. |
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Soil adsorption and mobility |
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None
Terrestrial ecotoxicology |
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Q3 Q = Miscellaneous data from online sources 3 = Unverified data of known source No adverse effects identified or expected |
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Q3 Q = Miscellaneous data from online sources 3 = Unverified data of known source No adverse effects identified or expected |
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Q3 Q = Miscellaneous data from online sources 3 = Unverified data of known source No adverse effects identified or expected |
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Q3 Q = Miscellaneous data from online sources 3 = Unverified data of known source No adverse effects identified or expected |
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HUMAN HEALTH AND PROTECTION |
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Not applicable |
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Q3 Q = Miscellaneous data from online sources 3 = Unverified data of known source No adverse effects identified or expected |
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Carcinogen |
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Endocrine disruptor |
XNo, known not to cause a problem |
A0 A = Chromosome aberration (EFSA database) 0 = No data ; B0 B = DNA damage/repair (EFSA database) 0 = No data ; C0 C = Gene mutation (EFSA database) 0 = No data ; D0 D = Genome mutation (EFSA database) 0 = No data ; E3 E = Unspecified genotoxicity type (miscellaneous data source) 3 = Negative |
XNo, known not to cause a problem |
Reproduction / development effects |
Acetyl cholinesterase inhibitor |
Neurotoxicant |
XNo, known not to cause a problem |
XNo, known not to cause a problem |
XNo, known not to cause a problem |
Respiratory tract irritant |
Skin irritant |
Skin sensitiser |
XNo, known not to cause a problem |
XNo, known not to cause a problem |
No data found |
Eye irritant |
Phototoxicant |
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XNo, known not to cause a problem |
No data found |
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No adverse health effects noted |
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No information available |
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Not listed (Not listed) |
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Microterys flavus |
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Record last updated: |
23/08/2025 |
Contact: |
aeru@herts.ac.uk |
Please cite as: |
Lewis, K.A., Tzilivakis, J., Warner, D. and Green, A. (2016) An international database for pesticide risk assessments and management. Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal, 22(4), 1050-1064. DOI: 10.1080/10807039.2015.1133242 |