Feltiella acarisuga
Spidermite Destroyer

Feltiella acarisuga are tiny midges that feed on two spotted spider mites. These predatory midges are effective destroyers of spider mites and a very promising biological control for tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet peppers, other greenhouse crops and field strawberry crops where spider mite infestations are a problem. Feltiella work best on crops which have hairy stems. Of particular interest to greenhouse growers they have been shown to work quite effectively on tomatoes on which P. persimilis have been ineffective. Feltiella is sold in release units of 250 which can be hung in the crop and opened for quick release. Included in the unit is a bottle of Ovistim, which encourages Feltiella to lay more eggs in that area.

Feltiella acarisuga is a gall midge, just like the aphid predator Aphidoletes. The adult Feltiella acarisuga lays yellow-coloured eggs of about 0.25 mm in red spider mite colonies. After about two days, a creamy brownish yellow larva hatches, which devours red spider mites.

In contrast to the other spider mite predators Feltiella acarisuga has a winged stage. Thanks to this, spider mite populations can be detected much faster and over larger areas.

Adult F. acarisuga resemble small mosquitoes and it is this stage that locates spider mite colonies in which the females lay eggs. It is the larval stage that is predatory and it feeds on all stages of spider mites, feeding even on diapausing stages which are not relished by P. persimilis. The presence of this predator on a crop is often detected by the presence of small white cocoons or pupal stages on the undersides of leaves along the veins. Keys to successful use of this predator include high humidities and a source of sugar or honeydew and water for the adults. This predator can also be used year round because they do not diapause significantly under short daylengths.

Feltiella acarisuga is shipped in clear plastic release units with a hanger and perforated top opening. Each unit contains enough pupae to release a minimum of 250 adult midges. Each unit contains a strip of agar gel which helps maintain adequate moisture within the release unit and provides a food source for emerged midges.

To open release unit:
The lower portion of the unit is sealed. Open the top portion of the unit by grasping the top right hand corner and pry open, bending along perforation. The opening needs to be sufficient to allow midges to fly out. Hang unit in crop out of direct sunlight. The unit is designed to hang forward to prevent water from dripping inside.

Prior to release, Feltiella units may be stored up to three weeks provided temperature and humidity are optimized. Optimum storage temperature range is 41°F to 45°F (5°C to 7°C. Approaching freezing temperature will destroy the midges and at 50°F (10°C) the midges will continue to develop and will start emerging. If stored pupae dry out, emergence will be compromised. The agar inside the release units helps maintain moisture content. If storing units for more than 1 week, it is advised that the units be placed inside a larger container with damp, but not wet, paper towelling in the bottom. After storage, midges will begin to emerge between 1 and 4 days after warming to 72°F (22°C). At times, Feltiella cocoons are piled up on each other and extensive tests have shown that all pupal layers emerge successfully.

100821  250 Feltiella acarisuga (1#)             $95.00
100861  250 Feltiella acarisuga, 6 or more (1#)  $90.00 each

Select 250 250, 6+

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