Once a week we get a report from Brian Spencer of Applied Bio-nomics Ltd. in British Columbia (Canada). It’s mostly inside news for us and their other world-wide distributors, but we occasionally share a tidbit or two if it’s interesting or generally helpful. This one falls into the interesting category, but could prove helpful for some if serving as motivation to try something new. It concerns the soil-dwelling predator Atheta coriaria.
In one of the aforementioned reports Spencer admitted he was still beginning to understand this predator but his appreciation was growing rapidly based on a list positive observations. We’re sharing that list. Our notes, if any, are small and italicized.
- They eat almost anything. Including Neoseiulus cucumeris we’re learning so proceed with care if using this thrips predator.
- They are not limited to the soil. Being flight-capable gives them the ability to go where the pests are.
- They can swim. Very convenient for hydroponics and other wet operations.
- They like sewers. They can swim!
- They totally control Shorefly. Due to their ability to use water shorefly don’t stand a chance.
- They tend to stay with the structure. Given suitable conditions, they’re not strongly motivated to fly away.
- The adults can work their way through a small pinhole. Access to pots via drainage holes gives them great flexibility.
There is no doubt more to be learned about these predatory insects, but we like these observations so far. Any critter that really goes all out helping us win the war on pests without pesticides is good in our book. Do you have any observations of your own? Have you used A. coriaria? Feel free to share below (while comments remain open) or contact us with your stories.
Note: Look for a sale on these predators next week.
Atheta Observed, Now On Sale - GreenMethods.com responds:
Posted: June 14th, 2010 at 1:02 am →
[…] Last week we told you about one expert’s observations of the beetle Atheta coriaria — useful against several soil pests like fungus gnats — and we promised we’d put them on sale to further encourage you to try them out. Well, we’ve put this promise into action, now offering a limited-time sale of these predators. Check ‘em out now and save. […]