Description
Persimilis Mite- Phytoseiulus persimilis is a predatory mite that feeds on all life stages of Tetranychus urticae (Two-spotted spider mite).
The eggs are eggs oval and translucent pink (0.3 mm), and the adults are bright red or orange, 0.6 mm long with 4 pairs of long legs. The development of egg to adult is 5.5 days at 25°C. Their optimal temperature is 15-25°C, activity is very slow over 30°C, and they completely stop feeding over 35˚C. Their populations decline rapidly when spidermites are not available.
P. persimilis can disperse long distances along benches, support netting/ twine, webbing of spidermites, and on plant leaves to locate prey. They have a very efficient searching capacity, high predation rate, and can breed to high populations. Each female can lay up to 60 eggs and can consume up to 20 eggs or nymphs/per day. They can also feed on adult spidermites.
This mite is most effective when temperatures are between 12°C and 26°C. with relative humidity 60%- 70% RH. Under these conditions P. persimilis will reproduce faster than the two-spotted spider mite and can completely eliminate a spidermite colony.