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Predatory mites:
Phytosieulus persimilis, Mesoseiulus
longipes, Neoseiulus californicus, Galendromus occidentalis, and
combinations of persimilis + californicus and longipes
+ californicus.
Also available are Neosiulus fallacis and Phytoseiulus
macropilus.
| Predatory Mite: |
P.
persimilis |
M.
longipes |
Neoseiulus
fallacis |
| Description: |
The
most commonly used beneficial mite in the world. Noted for quick
knockdown of spider mites. Adults are bright orange and slightly
larger than spider mites. Actively seek out and consume 20 young
or 5 adult spider mites per day; reproduce faster than spider
mites and quickly gain control of a spider mite outbreak. |
Similar
in appearance and activity to P. persimilis, M. longipes
can tolerate drier conditions and higher temperatures and still
remain effective. They can only tolerate the very low humidity
of 40% when the temp. is 70°F. They require increasing humidity
as the temperature rises. |
Used
for inoculation against spider mite outbreaks, can survive lower
temperatures, absence of prey, and has some pesticide
resistance. Useful in outdoor applications in northern areas.
Like persimilis, it can provide quick control of a mite
outbreak. |
| Optimal
Environment: |
65-80°F,
min. 60% RH |
70-90°F,
min. 40% RH |
50-80°F, 60-90% RH |
| Predatory
Mite: |
N.
californicus |
G.
occidentalis |
Phytoseiulus
macropilus |
| Description: |
Although
considerably slower acting than persimilis and longipes, N.
californicus can survive longer in the absence of prey,
until a new spider mite population may reinfest plants. Highly
successful in the greenhouse environment. |
G.
occidentalis tolerates a wide range of relative
humidities and is well-adapted to outdoor use. |
A
Florida native, has been useful against two-spotted spider mite
on ornamentals in both field and greenhouse. It has a high
reproductive rate in a mild environment. |
| Optimal
Environment: |
Wide
range of temp.& RH |
80-100°F,
>50% RH |
68-77°F,
60-80% RH |
Spider Mite Predator: Feltiella
acarisuga
These are tiny midges that feed on two-spotted spider mites, unique in
their ability to forage on hairy leaves. This ability enables them to
complement Phytoseiulus persimilis , which does not work
on tomato leaves because they become trapped in the sticky leaf hairs. Feltiella
increase in numbers when spider mite populations increase.
Feltiella are sold as pupae and come in tubs or units of
250. Once the tub lid is opened (in the shade) near a spider mite
infestation, adult midges emerge from pupal cases in 3-4 days, mate and
fly off to lay eggs on mite-infested leaves. Eggs hatch in 2 days to
become Feltiella larvae: tiny, beige maggots that munch
mites for a week before pupating in cocoons, repeating the cycle as
adults within 6-7 days. Two to three weeks after application, all stages
of Feltiella will be present, and will continue to prey on
spider mites until the infestation is controlled. They do not persist in
the absence of prey.
Spider Mite
& Spruce Spider Mite Predator:
Stethorus Punctillum
A tiny lady beetle that is a new biological control product. They prey
on all stages of spider mites, and are able to fly to find them. These
abilities make them an effective control in cases of mite outbreaks.
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