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Neoseiulus fallacis or Amblyseius fallacis
This predaceous mite has a strong preference for pest mite species and will travel from tree to tree searching for them.
Origin: Throughout the United States
Host Mites: Two spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urtichae), Pacific Mites (Tetranychus pacificus), European red mites (Panonychus ulmi), Bank's grass mite.
Host Plants: Fruit trees, strawberries, corn, hops, mint, other field crops.
Life Stages: Egg, Larvae, Protonymph, Deutonymph, and Adult. Completes a generation in one to two weeks depending on temperature.
Environment: Does best in warm humid conditions, but will also tolerate low humidity (40% - 80% at 50° - 105°F). Occurs naturally along coast and inland valleys of California.
Pesticides: N. fallacis susceptible to pesticides. Pyrethroids are highly toxic. Field tolerance will vary with spray timing, application methods, weather and crop. Avoid spraying crop one week before or after releasing predators. Some materials may be toxic to predators for up to four weeks.
Release rates: Release rates are being developed. Release at least one per plant or one per square foot in greenhouses at the first sign of spider-mites. Later releases will require much higher numbers to be effective.
Storage: N. fallacis Highly perishable, should be used immediately upon delivery. If storage is absolutely necessary, refrigerate at 50° F. (6°-10° C). Not to exceed 2 days, to minimize mortality.
This predatory mite disperses quickly. Neoseiulus fallacis is known to control European Red Mite below economic thresholds in fruit tree orchards. It is also being successfully used in mint fields.
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