Description
Geo Mite (Gaeolaelaps gillespiei) is a predatory mite that lives in the soil and feeds on all stages of Fungus Gnats (Sciara spp., Lycoriella spp. and Bradysia spp.), Western Flower Thrips pupae (Frankliniella occidentalis) and Shore Flies (Scatella spp. and Ephydridae spp). They also feed on root aphids such as; Rice Root Aphid (Rhopalosiphum rufiabdominalis).
Gaeolaelaps are very similar to Stratiolaelaps scimitus (Strateo Mite), though consume 7x more fungus gnats than Strateo Mite.
Gaeolaelaps lay oval eggs (0.5 mm) in the upper layer of the soil. Their 1st instar larvae is translucent and the adult is cream color to brown, very small (1 mm long) with 8 legs.
This predatory mite is compatible with nematodes, such as Steinernema feltiae.
