Predatory Mite, Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) (Arachnida: Acari: Phytoseiidae)

Abstract

The predatory mite Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) has characteristics of both type II specialist predatory mites and type III generalist predatory mites. N. californicus prefers Tetranychid mites as food, but will also consume other mite species, small insects, such as thrips, and even pollen when the primary prey is unavailable. N. californicus is often used to control the twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, and other phytophagous mites on various crops in temperate and subtropical regions around the world.  This document is EENY-359, one of a series of the Entomology and Nematology Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date November 2005. EENY-359/IN639: Predatory Mite, Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) (Arachnida: Acari: Phytoseiidae) (ufl.edu)