Beneficial Insect Profiles: Predators

Neoseiulus californicus

Product: A predator of spider mites.

Net Contents: See contents on container.

Common Name: Californicus.

Family: Phytoseiidae, Genus: Neoseiulus (Amblyseius), Species: californicus.

Life Stages: Egg, Larvae, Protonymph, Deutonymph, and Adult.
Sex ratio: 4 females to 1 male.
Origin: California, Florida and Mediterranean.
Development: Completes a generation in one to two weeks depending on temperature.
Host Pest: Spider mites, Broad mite, Cyclamen mite.
Host Plants: Strawberries, Corn, Grapes, Roses, Ornamentals, Greenhouse plants.

Environment: Does best in warm humid conditions, minimum 50% RH and temperature up to 100 degrees F. Occurs naturally along coast and inland valleys of California.

AUGMENTATION: Californicus is a very versetile predator. It tolerates a wide range of temperatures and lower humidities than P. persimilis. It is being used on a wide range of plants including; strawberries, raspberries, roses, grapes, ornamentals and vegetables. Typical release rates are 1/sq ft., 20-40,000/acre, 100,000/ha. Rates are dependent upon pest levels and desired speed of control. Recommended pest/predator ratio at time of release 10/1. Avoid releases in temperatures below 45° F. or above 85° F and during dry windy conditions. It is extremely important to release predators early, as soon as pest mites appear in the crop.

Pesticides: Some strains tolerant of pesticides. 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.

Storage: Perishable, should be used immediately upon delivery. If storage is necessary, refrigerate at 55F (12C) Not to exceed 5 days, to minimize mortality.

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