Californicus

Neoseiulus Californicus

Target pests  Two Spot Spider mite - Broad Mite - Russett Mites

(cal ah forn ah cus)

Neoseiulus californicus is a general predatory mite that targets two spotted spider mites, broad mites, cyclamen mites, but will also feed on many other leaf inhabiting mites plus other small insects and pollen. 

Californicus are 0.5mm long and pear shaped, females are tan and males are brown to dark brown in color. Californicus is mainly used in greenhouse crops, but may also be used outdoors in fruit crops, vegetables, ornamentals as well as cannabis. Californicus works best when used preventatively, or when spider mites are first noticed on the crop. Best results are seen when Californicus is allowed to build up before the spider mite populations are able to establish themselves. 

N. californicus is tolerant of various temperatures and low humidity, and works best under warm to hot conditions. It tolerates higher temperatures and lower humidity than persimilis. When pests are low, californicus will feed on pollen, some predators will actively seek out new prey in the absence of food but most will stay on the crop and wait for the arrival of new pests. Females lay about 2 - 3 eggs per day that are oval and pearly white in color, the eggs hatch after 1-2 days, where they will pass through a 6 legged larval and two different 8 legged nymphal stages before adulthood. Depending on temperature, the cycle from egg to adult is roughly 4-10 days, and then another 20 days as an adult. N. californicus is a general predator and may consume other beneficial insects and are not recommend to be used in conjunction with other mite predators.

Californicus are shipped as adults mixed with vermiculite for hot-spots 

or in sachets for preventative measures. The small hanging sachets have breeding adults, immatures and eggs along with a mold mite (Tyrophagus putrescentiae) that acts as a sustainable food source that allows for a steady hatch for 5 to 8 weeks. These are not only a very effective cure but actually quite inexpensive allowing growers to use them as a preventative before broad mites or russet mites show up

Ships FedEx Overnight Tuesdays. 
Orders need to be placed by 11AM Wednesday for shipping the following Monday.
Subject to stock on hand.