BioWarriors: Unleashing Nature’s Soldiers
Learn all about the most commonly used beneficial insects and mites, including the pests they target and crops they protect.
The Beneficials
Amblyseius cucumeris
Amblyseius cucumeris, the relentless warrior on a mission to protect your crops from thrips infestations. With its unparalleled speed and efficiency, this formidable soldier relentlessly pursues thrips, leaving no hiding place for these notorious crop invaders. Amblyseius cucumeris is particularly effective as a preventative treatment, feeding on alternative food sources until thrips emerge, at which point it unleashes its hunting skills to track them down wherever they may hide.
Targeted pests: Thrips, various mite species, whitefly, and Asian citrus psyllid.
Anagyrus vladimiri
Introducing the remarkable Anagyrus vladimiri (formerly known as A. pseudococci), an extremely efficient parasitoid with unparalleled tracking and stalking skills. This specialized operative is a vital asset assigned to the esteemed mealybug control task force. Once deployed strategically in your crop, prepare to witness a battlefield strewn with desiccated mealybug corpses. With precision and determination, Anagyrus vladimiri hunts down its unsuspecting targets, infiltrating their ranks and swiftly neutralizing their threat. Its relentless pursuit leaves no stone unturned, effectively reducing mealybug infestations.
Targeted pests: Various mealybug species including vine mealybugs (Planococcus ficus), citrus mealybugs (Planococcus citri), longtailed mealybugs (Pseudococcus longispinus), obscure mealybugs (Pseudococcus viburni), and cotton mealybugs (Phenacoccus solenopsis).
Cryptolaemus montrouzieri aka the “Mealybug destroyer”
Prepare to witness the awe-inspiring prowess of the Mealybug Destroyer, a charismatic predatory beetle that lives up to its name. This formidable insect leaves a trail of defeated mealybugs (and even some other soft-scale insects) in its wake, showcasing its insatiable appetite for these pests. Brace yourself for the power and effectiveness of this mighty biocontrol ally.
Targeted pests: Vine mealybugs (Planococcus ficus), citrus mealybugs (Planococcus citri), longtailed mealybugs (Pseudococcus longispinus), grape mealybugs (Pseudococcus maritimus), and other mealybug species.
Green lacewing
Introducing the formidable Green Lacewing! With its menacing sickle-shaped mandibles, this extraordinary insect strikes fear into the hearts of pests as larvae, the ultimate predators in the battle against crop-damaging invaders. Green Lacewings offer a versatile solution for pest management as they are commercially available in three life stages: eggs, larvae, and adults. While the larvae are renowned for their voracious appetite and swift hunting skills, directly confronting and devouring aphids and other small pests, the adults play a crucial role in establishing a sustainable population for ongoing pest control.
Targeted pests: Aphids and various types of soft-bodied insects.
Neoseiulus californicus
Neoseiulus californicus stands tall as a highly esteemed warrior among predatory mites, trusted by growers worldwide. With its exceptional prowess, it triumphs over a broad spectrum of mite species, showcasing remarkable adaptability to various environmental conditions. Notably, it thrives even in low pest populations, positioning itself as the perfect choice for preventive measures.
Targeted pests: Various mite species including two-spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae), persea mites (Oligonychus perseae), pacific mites (Tetranychus pacificus), citrus red mites (Panonychus citri), and broad mites (Polyphagotarsonemus latus).
Orius insidiosus
In the battle against thrips, Orius insidiosus emerges as a formidable ally. This fierce generalist predator is a go-to natural enemy for combating thrips, capable of annihilating entire populations across all life stages, including adults. With its voracious appetite for various pests and ability to sustain itself on pollen, Orius insidiosus can be released preventively, poised to swiftly strike at the first sign of thrips infestation.
Targeted pests: Various thrips species, aphids, mites, moth eggs.
Phytoseiulus persimilis
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Phytoseiulus persimilis, the indomitable predator renowned among growers worldwide for its remarkable prowess in combating spider mite infestations. With heightened senses of touch and sight, Persimilis relentlessly tracks down and conquers its prey, including notorious two-spotted spider mites and elusive carmine mites. It swiftly devours an impressive number of spider mites daily, and over hundreds to thousands during its lifetime under optimal conditions.
Targeted pests: Two-spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae), carmine spider mite (Tetranychus cinnabarinus).