Beneficial Insectary is now producing Orius insidiosus at its California facility — one of the most aggressive thrips predators available and a cornerstone of modern biocontrol programs. The new domestic line, marketed as Orius-I, ships in units of 500 or 1,000 adults.
Domestic production of Orius insidiosus shortens transit time for North American growers and keeps adults arriving in peak condition for release. The species is best known as one of the most effective thrips predators in commercial biocontrol — an aggressive hunter that attacks every mobile stage of thrips, including the adults that other predatory mites cannot touch.
A true bug with a true predatory bite
Orius insidiosus is a true bug, meaning it carries a long rostrum — a needle-like feeding tube. The predator uses its rostrum to pierce the body of its prey and drain the contents, killing the pest outright. That mechanical mode of attack works on every life stage a thrips passes through above the soil line, which is what makes Orius so valuable in greenhouse and indoor programs.
A generalist that earns its keep
Although thrips are the primary target, Orius insidiosus is a generalist predator. It feeds opportunistically on mites, aphids, and moth eggs, helping to suppress secondary pests while it works on the main one. That broad diet also means Orius can establish in a crop and persist between thrips outbreaks — an important property for growers running preventative programs.
Format and availability
The new U.S.-produced Orius-I line ships in two pack sizes:
- 500 adults — for spot releases and trial programs.
- 1,000 adults — for full-area releases and ongoing maintenance.
For release rates, timing, and integration with other Beneficial Insectary predators — Amblyseius cucumeris for immature thrips and Stratiolaelaps scimitus for soil-stage thrips pupae — contact your regional Green Methods representative.