Posted: Thu Oct 19, 2006 7:52 am Post subject: Predatory mite species
Three species of predatory mites are common in stone fruit in the San Joaquin Valley.
In spring, slow-moving predatory mites are often found in the absence of spider mites. These are typically Neoseiulus caudiglans. They are probably feeding on peach rust mite, a harmless species.
Slow-moving predatory mites found in spider mite colonies are probably Galendromus occidentalis. This is the most effective predator and the one often released in biological control programs.
A faster predator, with longer legs, is Euseius quetzali. This predator is often present at several per leaf late in the year, with or without mite prey. It is helpful in controlling spider mites, but not as dependable as G. occidentalis. E. quetzali is related to the common predator in citrus, E. tularensis, which eats pollen and preys on thrips in addition to mites.
Devin Carroll