Feltiella acarisuga Spidermite Destroyer 250 ct
Feltiella acarisuga is a tiny gall-midge that feeds on two-spotted spider mites and various other species of spider mites. Arbico recommend Feltiella especially when spider mite infestations are severe; they may be used with appropriate mite predators for the most effective control. They are most often used in tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet peppers, other greenhouse crops and field strawberry crops. Feltiella works best for plants which have hairy stems. Of particular interest to greenhouse growers is that they have been shown to work quite effectively in situations where other mite predators have been ineffective by themselves.
Appearance & Life Cycle:
Ideal temperature range is 60 °-77 ° with humidity 50-90%; they do not survive well above 86 ° or below 30% humidity. The entire life cycle is about 15 days. Adults are about 2 mm long, pinkish-brown, and have long legs. They do not prey on spider mites, but drink water and nectar. The female adult gall-midges actively search for spider mite colonies and deposit eggs next to them for about 5 days. Eggs laid are 0.1 x 0.25 mm in size and are shiny and translucent. They hatch in 2 days. The larvae that hatch from the eggs are 0.2- 2 mm in length and are orange-brown. They feed on all stages of the spider mite for 4-6 days, depending on the temperature, humidity, and abundance of spider mites. Larvae pupate inside a white cocoon, usually on the underside of leaves along the veins. It takes 4-6 days to produce an adult.
Method Of Release:
Feltiella acarisuga are shipped as pupae on leaves, from which approximately 250 adult gall-midges will emerge. Make a hole in the paper on the lid; place the container on a rock wool slab or on the soil, but protected from direct sunlight. Allow the container to be in place for at least two weeks. High humidity increases the emergence of gall-midges. Within 3 days of egg laying, larvae will hatch, ready to devour spider-mites.
Rate of Release:
- Light Infestations - Introduce 10/1,000 sq. ft or 400/acre every 7 days, for at least 3 weeks.
- Heavy Infestations - Introduce 25/1,000 sq. ft or 1,000/acre every 7 days, for at least 3 weeks.
PLEASE NOTE: All Mite Predators require additional processing time due to rearing and collection times.
Feltiella acarisuga Controls For:
Brown Almond Mite (Bryobia rubrioculus), Mites (Tetranychus sp), Spider Mite (Mult), and Two-Spotted Spider Mite (Tetranychus urticae).
Environment:
Crops, Nursery, Greenhouse, Grow Room, Hydroponics, Aquaponics, Interiorscapes, and Container Plants.
Storage:
If not releasing immediately, keep in a cool dark place out of direct sunlight. Do not refrigerate. 68 °F, 90%RH, long day-length.
Shelf Life:
Apply within 18 hours of receipt.
Shipping Restrictions:
- Overnight shipping required. This does not take processing time into account. Overnight shipping refers to the time frame for delivery after the shipment date.
- Feltiella acarisuga ships on Wednesdays Only.
- Order by Tuesday for shipment the following Wednesday.
- Cannot Be Shipped To: HI, PR, VI, GU, AS, or PW