Ships via Overnight methods on Tuesdays Only. Minimum 7-day processing prior to shipment. See Shipping Info for details.
Feltiella acarisuga is a tiny gall-midge that feeds on two-spotted spider mites and various other species of spider mites. We recommend Feltiella be used with P. persimilis when spider mite infestations are severe to rapidly knock back the pest mites. Commonly used on tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet peppers, other greenhouse crops and field strawberry crops, Feltiella works best on plants that 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.
Optimal Conditions: 68° - 81°F, ≈80% RH
Appearance & Life Cycle: 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.
Release Rates: Some crops, including tomatoes & other highly resinous crops, require higher release rates.
- Light Infestations - Introduce <1 per 1,000 sq. ft. or 500 per acre weekly for at least 3 weeks.
- Heavy Infestations - Introduce 2-3 per 1,000 sq. ft. or 1,000 per acre weekly for at least 3 weeks.
PLEASE NOTE: All Mite Predators require additional processing time due to rearing and collection times. Additional information can be found on the Shipping Tab to identify the earliest shipment date. If you have questions about shipment dates, orders can be placed with our sales representatives at 1-800-827-2847.
This Product Controls These Pests or Diseases: Brown Almond Mite (Bryobia rubrioculus), Mites (Tetranychus sp), Spider Mites (Mult), Two-Spotted Spider Mite (Tetranychus urticae)
Method Of Release: Feltiella acarisuga are shipped as pupae on leaves, from which approximately 250 adult gall-midges will emerge. Open the lid of the container and place near mite infestations. 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.
Environment: Crops, Nursery, Greenhouse, Grow Room, Hydroponics, Aquaponics, Interiorscapes, Container Plants
Storage: If not releasing immediately, keep in a cool dark place out of direct sunlight. Do not refrigerate.
Viability Note: If you plan to check for viability, please do so upon receipt and prior to releasing the beneficial insects. Many predators and parasites are small and can be difficult to spot once released. If you believe there are issues with viability, please contact us at 1-800-827-2847 or customercare@arbico.com.
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 Tuesday Only.
- For the earliest ship dates, please call us at 1-800-827-2847.
Cannot Be Shipped To: HI,PR,VI,GU,AS,PW
Shelf Life: Apply within 18 hours of receipt.
Image Citation: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org
