Beneficial Insectary is now producing both Amblyseius (=Neoseiulus) cucumeris and Stratiolaelaps scimitus — formerly known as Hypoaspis miles — at its California facility, bringing two of the most widely used predatory mites under domestic production for the first time and cutting transit time for growers across North America.
Domestic production marks a meaningful shift for North American growers. Until now, fresh shipments of cucumeris and scimitus often relied on long international transit, and every additional day in transport reduces the count of viable predators that arrive on the bench. Producing both species in California shortens that window dramatically, giving growers fresher product at the moment it is needed for active scouting and release programs.
Ambly-C — Thrips control, now shipped from California
Amblyseius (=Neoseiulus) cucumeris, marketed as Ambly-C, targets western flower thrips and a range of other pest mite species. The U.S.-produced line is available in two formats:
- Loose product: 50,000-count bottles, ideal for fast knockdown and broadcast release.
- Slow-release sachets: sustained release over several weeks, ideal for preventative programs.
- Bulk bag: coming soon for high-volume operations.
Ambly-C is a generalist predator that performs well in greenhouse, indoor, and interior environments and integrates cleanly with most IPM programs.
Stratio-S — Soil-dwelling protection for fungus gnats and thrips pupae
Stratiolaelaps scimitus, marketed as Stratio-S, lives in the top half-inch of soil and targets fungus gnat larvae, western flower thrips pupae, and other soil-dwelling pests. By breaking the soil stage of the thrips life cycle, Stratio-S complements above-ground predators like Ambly-C and helps drive overall thrips populations down.
The new U.S. production line ships in 25,000-mite bottles, with a bulk bag format coming soon. Mites are applied directly to the soil surface, dirt and gravel floors, under benches, and any other location where larvae and pupae may develop.
Domestic production means fresher predators on the bench — the difference between holding a thrips population and chasing it.— Beneficial Insectary
What stays the same
Alongside the new domestic Ambly-C and Stratio-S lines, Beneficial Insectary will continue to mass-rear its full beneficial program, including its top-notch predatory green lacewings (Chrysoperla rufilabris), Trichogramma sp., fly parasites, and other beneficial insects and mites used in modern biocontrol programs.
For order timing, release-rate guidance, and current pack sizes, contact your regional Green Methods representative or call the Insectary directly.