Phytoseiulus

Phytoseiulus is a genus of mites in the Phytoseiidae family.[1] A predatory mite, this is the mite predator most frequently used to control two-spotted spider mites in greenhouses and outdoor crops grown in mild environments. This mite was accidentally introduced into Germany from Chile in 1958; it was subsequently shipped to other parts of the world, including California and Florida, from Germany. A Phytoseiulus mite can consume up to seven adult spider mites or several dozen of their eggs in a day. Adult females are reddish, pear-shaped, about 0.5 mm (0.020 in) long, and active at room temperature. Immatures and males are smaller and lighter in color. Eggs are oblong. About 80% are females. At optimum temperatures, Phytoseiidae can develop from egg to adult in seven days and live up to a month. A well-fed female lays about 50 eggs in her lifetime.

Phytoseiulus
Phytoseiulus persimilis on a piece of vermiculite
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Arthropoda
Class:
Arachnida
Subclass:
Acari
Superorder:
Parasitiformes
Order:
Mesostigmata
Family:
Phytoseiidae
Subfamily:
Amblyseiinae
Genus:
Phytoseiulus

Evans, 1952

Environment

Ideal temperature range is 70–85 °F (21–29 °C) with relative humidity of 70–80% inside the plant canopy. Minimum temperature for activity is 50 °F (10 °C). This predator does best when humidity is 60% or higher with a temperature range of 55 to 105 °F (13 to 41 °C).[2]

Biology

typical values @ 68 to 77 °F (20 to 25 °C)

  • sex ratio: four females/male
  • average eggs laid per day: 2.4
  • lifespan: 30–36 days - days from egg to adult: 7.5
  • average eggs per female: 54
  • population increase = 44 x in generation time of 17 days
  • prey consumed per day: 7 adults, 20 immatures or 25 eggs

[3]

Species

The genus Phytoseiulus contains these species:[1]

  • Phytoseiulus fragariae Denmark & Schicha, 1983
  • Phytoseiulus longipes Evans, 1958
  • Phytoseiulus macropilis (Banks, 1904)
  • Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot, 1957 [synonymy: Phytoseiulus riegeli Dosse, 1958; Phytoseiulus tardi (Lombardini, 1959)]
  • Phytoseiulus robertsi (Baker, 1990)

References
  1. de Moraes, Gilberto Jose. Hallan, Joel (ed.). "Phytoseiidae Species Listing". Biology Catalog. Texas A&M University. Archived from the original on 12 December 2014. Retrieved 13 August 2015.
  2. Hydro-Gardens. "hydro-gardens Mite Control". Archived from the original on February 16, 2012. Retrieved February 9, 2012.
  3. Hydro-Gardens. "Persimilis Release Instructions" (PDF). Pest Control. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 17, 2012. Retrieved February 9, 2012.


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