LIVE DELIVERY GUARANTEED
This package contains 250 Feltiella acarisuga pupae.
TARGET PESTS:
Two-Spotted Spider Mites and various other mite species.
ABOUT FELTIELLA ACARISUGA:
The larval stage of Feltiella acarisuga are small and yellowish in color. They have a slender, elongated body shape and are typically less than 1 mm in size. These larvae are active predators and immediately start preying on spider mites once they hatch.
Adult Feltiella acarisuga is a predatory cecidomyid midge, resembling a small fly. They have a delicate appearance with slender bodies measuring around 2-3 mm in length. Female adults actively search for mite colonies to lay their eggs. Adults also consume spider mites.
You can expect to see all stages of Feltiella in the greenhouse within 2-3 weeks after application. Once the spider mite population is adequately controlled and their food source becomes scarce, the population of Feltiella will naturally decline.
PRODUCT INFORMATION:
Feltiella arrive as pupae, which are small, white cocoons attached to paper. The average emergence rate of adults from the pupal stage is approximately 90%. Each tub contains over 300 cocoons to ensure a yield of 250 healthy adults.
RELEASE RATES:
LIGHT INFESTATION: 10 Midges per sq. ft., weekly for 3 weeks
HEAVY INFESTATION: 25 Midges per sq. ft., weekly for 3 weeks
It's important to note that these release rates serve as general guidelines and may vary based on the specific pest species, the crop or plant being treated, and level of infestation. Proper monitoring of the infestation and the subsequent effectiveness of the released beneficial insect population is crucial for determining the success of the biological control strategy.
STORAGE:
For best results, release immediately. If storage is necessary, store at 50°F for no longer than 48 hours.
PRO TIPS:
To achieve a comprehensive approach in controlling Spider Mites, it is recommended to combine the use of Feltiella acarisuga with other beneficial predators such as Predatory Mites.
Feltiella works best on crops with hairy leaves and stems such as cucumbers and tomatoes. They have been shown to work quite effectively on tomatoes where Phytoseiulus persimilis mites are ineffective.
Feltiella cannot survive in the absence of their prey, so these midges should be released only after a spider mite problem has truly been detected.
LIFESPAN:
Female adult Feltiella actively seek spider mite colonies to feed on and lay their eggs. The eggs will hatch between 2-3 days and the predatory larvae emerge. After approximately two weeks of actively consuming spider mites, the mature Feltiella larvae enter the pupal stage. During pupation, they form protective cocoons adjacent to leaf veins, providing a safe environment for their transformation. Within 7-10 days, adult Feltiella midges emerge from these cocoons, fully developed. Adult lifespan of approximately 4-6 days.
It's important to note that these time-frames are approximate and can be influenced by factors such as temperature, humidity, and the availability of prey. Monitoring the development and activity of beneficial insect populations, along with environmental conditions, can help determine the progress and effectiveness of their role in pest control efforts.