Effectiveness of Neomolgus capillatus (Kramer) (Acarina: Bdellidae) as a Predator of Sminthurus viridis (L.) (Collembola: Sminthuridae) in Northwestern Tasmania

Abstract

Autumn populations of lucerne flea, Sminthurus viridis, have been reduced by about 95% to non‐damaging levels in north‐west Tasmania by the addition of the introduced predator the spiny snout mite, Neomolgus capillatus, to the established predator complex. Low activity of N. capillatus in early spring reduced its ability to control S. viridis later in spring. the possible use of an additional predator, a whirligig mite, Anystis wallacei Otto, that could improve control of spring populations is discussed. Copyright © 1995, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved