Neoseiulus californicus

Neoseiulus californicus and its predatory mite brethren are akin to a battalion of soldiers, relentlessly patrolling the fields and attacking a wide range of pests with deadly efficiency. Despite being named after the golden state of California, Neoseiulus californicus is not limited to that region and can be found in various parts of the world. Their superior hunting skills and ability to adapt to changing environments make them the ideal soldiers for IPM practitioners seeking to defend their crops. With the eagerness to strike multiple pest species, these valiant warriors can be deployed before specialist predators are even needed, ensuring the enemy never has a chance to take hold. In short, Neoseiulus californicus and its fellow soldiers of the mite world are crucial assets in the fight for crop protection.

This stealthy predator can lurk among your plants for up to 10 days, biding its time and waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Even in the absence of spider mites, it remains vigilant and prepared to ambush any unsuspecting pests that dare to enter its territory. And for those pests who believe that safety lies in numbers, they will soon realize their mistake when they face the full force of this formidable predator. Each and every N. Californicus in your army is capable of devouring five prey per day for a full three weeks, proving that they are a force to be reckoned with. So pests beware, N. Californicus is on the prowl and ready to defend crops with deadly force.

What Neoseiulus californicus prefer to kill:

Neoseiulus californicus, the formidable predatory mite, displays a versatile palate, relishing a diverse array of mite species. From two-spotted spider mites and persea mites to Pacific mites, citrus red mites, and broad mites, it skillfully devours its preferred delicacies. Remarkably, in the absence of its favored feast, it can satiate its hunger by feasting on thrips or even indulging in a pollen snack.

Neoseiulus californicus‘s preferred environmental conditions:

This predatory mite is capable of adapting to a wide range of climates, however, it exhibits optimal performance in conditions with temperatures between 55-90°F and relative humidity levels above 60%. When faced with temperatures exceeding 100°F and humidity levels below 40%, N. Californicus tends to give way to the Occidentalis subgroup of the predatory mite army, which is better suited to withstand extreme conditions.