("Triple Threat": Phytoseiulus persimilis, Neoseiulus californicus, & Amblyseius andersoni)

Most Effective Control:
Triple Threat!
   Use our mix of 3 species to cover a wider range of growing conditions.

   Wide Temp Range, Moderate Humidity:
   Phytoseiulus persimilis

      Temperature Range: 55 - 105+ F.
      Humidity Range: 55 - 90%

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 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 7 days and live up to a month. A well-fed female lays about 50 eggs in her lifetime.

   Moderate Temp Range, High Humidity:
   Neoseiulus californicus

      Temperature Range: 55 - 90 F.
      Humidity Range: 60 - 90%

Neoseiulus californicus is a predatory mite that feeds on Tetranychid mites. This species was first described on lemons from California under the name Typhlodromus californicus in 1954.^[1]

The mite 0.04 mm long is pinkish red to pale white color with six legs. Males are smaller than females. The larvae are translucent. Females lay 2-4 eggs a day. Eggs take 1.5–4 days to hatch depending on temperatures.


   Wide Temp Range, High Humidity:
   Amblyseius andersoni 

      Temperature Range: 42 - 100 F
      Humidity Range: 60 - 90%

Amblyseius andersoni is a spider mite predator that is commonly found in orchards and vineyards in humid regions of the eastern Atlantic.  It is suitable for use on ornamental and fruit trees such as apples and performs very well against two spotted spider mites on roses.   It is active in a very wide temperature range.

Amblyseius andersoni is polyphagous and omnivorous; deriving its feed from multiple sources including mites, thrips, fungi, and pollen.  This feed flexibility enables it to remain on your plants even after there are no pests left to consume.  Amblyseius andersoni predatory mites are active within the lowest and broadest temperature range from 42 degrees F to 100 degrees F.  During periods of low temperatures or short photoperiods (less than 10 hours of light) they will go dormant until conditions change.

   All three types can be used either separately or in any combination. If you don't specify, we'll send you our Triple Threat mix of all three.

This content is a Remix of content originally published at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phytoseiulus, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neoseiulus_californicus.    It is used in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.

You may share or adapt this Remix under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.