The predatory mite (Phytoseiulus persimilis) preys strictly on plant feeding mites and does not bite people, feed on other insects or injure plants. It is an effective biological control for use against pest mites such as the European red mite and two-spotted spider mite.
Predatory mites are about the same size as spider mites, usually teardrop-shaped, long legged when compared to spider mites, and often orange-red, tan, or brown. They move quickly through and around pest mite colonies in search of prey and, unlike spider mites, can move backwards as well as forwards.
Once the predators are placed on the leaves, they will begin searching for food on the underside of the leaves where pest mites are most abundant. The female predators will begin laying eggs that are about twice as large as pest eggs which will hatch after a few days. The young predators soon join the adults to prey upon the pest eggs. As the predators run out of food, they simply starve to death. |
