Page Intro: Galendromus occidentalis, Mesoseiulus longipes, Neoseiulus californicus — The Bizarre Mite Predators — are used for the prevention, control, and management of various spider mites. On this page you will find a preface, description, life-cycle info, benefits, drawbacks, scouting info, advisories, usages, and other good stuff such as ordering.
Preface
As I’ve done in the past — in print anyway — I am going to discuss three mites on the same page. Perhaps I’m taking liberties I shouldn’t, but this is always how I’ve dealt with these species. I often refer to them as the “bizarre mites.” The reason for doing this is that they simply aren’t used that much and are only employed in unique situations. Bizarre usages if you will. Moreover, with the availability of some of the other commercially available mite predators in this section, the members of this trio are rarely ever called upon. That said, though, there’s always a time and place where it seems that one of these three spider mite predatory species is really the best bet.
Before we begin, we would like to acknowledge and extend our thanks the University of California’s (Davis) Agricultural and Natural Resources (UCD ANR) Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program for the use of the images on this page. To learn more about them and the services and educational programs they offer, visit the UCD ANR Website. Okay, now let’s learn about some mites. [Intro]
Description
Their individual common names, the ones we gave them a number of years ago to keep track of who does what bespeak of their special abilities. For instance. We call Galendromus occidentalis the “Hot Weather Mite” and the other two, Mesoseiulus longipes and Neoseiulus californicus, go by the “Dry Weather Mite” and the “Low-Prey Mite,” respectively. Further details follow, but first a quick list:
- G. occidentalis
- These 0.5 mm. mites are noted for their ability to actively hunt in extremely hot conditions without a need for the higher relative humidity as is favored by most predatory mites. Since two-spotted mites like hot, dry conditions, it’s almost a surprise this mite is more popular in its usage. This predator feeds mostly on the two-spotted mite, Tetranychus urticae, and its relatives but happily moves to different prey when needed.
- M. longipes
- These 0.5 mm. mites are noted for their ability to actively hunt in extremely dry conditions. More so even than the predatory mite listed above. The difference lies in temperature tolerances. This predator, again like the one listed above, has the same food preference. Old Mister Two-Spots, but not others unfortunately.
- N. californicus
- These 0.5 mm. mites are noted for their ability to actively hunt in conditions where prey is few and far between. This mite has also made a bit of a name for itself by being able to deal with some of the nearly microscopic species, like broad mites, Polyphagotarsenomus =Hemitarsonemus latus, cycalems mites, Phtyodromus =Steneotarsonemus pallidus, tomato russet mites — preventively — Aculops lycopersici, etc. This mite is extremely similar to Neoseiulus fallacis in diet preference and on many other levels to the point of confusion at times. [Intro]
Life-style
The females of these mites, which range in color from clear-white to clear-pink, lay eggs amongst pest mites concentrations and in the webbing. Just like their not-so-bizarre brethren.
G. occidentalis can lay up to 34 eggs that hatch into extremely small but hungry larvae. The life span of these mites is about 9 days as immatures, then for about 35 days as adults. The conditions for optimum performance will be between 60-95°F with a relative humidity of between 60-85%. But these are optimum conditions, and not necessarily a prerequisite of successful implementation. Please note, however, considerably cooler and warmer temperatures will hamper reproduction and development a certain degree.
M. longipes can lay up to 54 eggs that hatch into extremely small but hungry larvae like the abovementioned species. The life span of these mites is about 8 days as immatures, then for about 34 days as adults. The conditions for optimum performance will be between 65-90°F with a relative humidity of between 45-90%. But these are optimum conditions, and not necessarily a prerequisite of successful implementation. Please note, however, considerably cooler and warmer temperatures will hamper reproduction and development a certain degree.
N. californicus can lay up to 43 eggs that hatch into extremely small but hungry larvae like the abovementioned species. The life span of these mites is about 8 days as immatures, then for about 20 days as adults. The conditions for optimum performance will be between 65-85°F with a relative humidity of between 60-90%. But these are optimum conditions, and not necessarily a prerequisite of successful implementation. Please note, however, considerably cooler and warmer temperatures will hamper reproduction and development a certain degree. [Intro]
Benefits
As has been hopefully made clear, the other spider mite predators we discuss on this website will usually perform as well if not better, and typically at a lower cost in many cases, but there are situations where a specialist will work best. A summary of the special characteristics of the predatory mites follows:
G. occidentalis have a fair prey range, even though they have a two-spotted mite preference. They are commonly used in western state strawberry crops, performing well in those hot climates.
M. longipes, being that they tolerate dry conditions, are also a useful western states mites. They can be used in mint in several states, even though N. fallacis has a longer track record in this crop.
N. californicus have the best possible potential for usage in a crop with no mites. N. fallacis can work without prey, provided pollen is available. Well these predators don’t even need that. For a time, anyway. These mites also seem to have another benefit is that they are becoming well-known for taking on some of the microscopic mites species. No easy feat for the others even though some will try, G. occidentalis included. N. californicus, though, seem to be the most promising and garner most of the positive feedback. [Intro]
Drawbacks
It used to be cost that was the number one drawback to using these mites, but then prices have dropped over the years. There also used to be an availability issue or two, but that, too, no longer seems to crop up the way it used to. A drawback that still has meaning is the fact that these predators aren’t supplied on leaves. Based on the feedback we get from a lot of people who use and enjoy leaf-packed mite products, this might be considered a drawback as well.
One last drawback, one that’s pretty easy to overcome, would be the inability of these species to tolerate cold conditions. But, with N. fallacis hearing that call-to-duty, it, too, is almost a moot point. [Intro]
Scouting
Looking for reduced populations of pest mites is likely the best way to get a handle of what these predators are doing for you in the terms of effectiveness. Look for reduced webbing if you’re using them for larger populations of two-spotted mites. If you’re using them for other purposes, you may have to rely on other means of determination. Seeing them in action, even to the best scouts, is nearly impossible. [Intro]
Advisories
For preventive use, unless the environmental conditions are pushing the envelope so to speak, you’ll want to use N. californicus only. If the target of your program is the microscopic mites mentioned above, do ensure you use them preventively. Cases have been made to exemplify the use of these predators for taking on higher infestations, but only N. californicus is the only one to seemingly have merit in this regard. [Intro]
Usages
Greenhouses, interiorscapes, botanical gardens, even western orchards and field crops. Look at the current or expected conditions, look at the pests, then determine which mite is best for the particular situation you’re dealing with. [Intro]
Rates, Instructions, and Purchase
Need more information? Check out our release rates for G. occidentalis, M. longipes, and N. californicus. Then see our short-term storage, handling, and release instructions. You may also purchase G. occidentalis, purchase M. longipes, or purchase N. californicus. [Intro]
