Dalotia (Atheta) coriaria

Description

Dalotia (Atheta) coriaria is a native species of soil-dwelling rove beetle which feeds on small insects and mites (e.g. shore flies, fungus gnats, moth flies, springtails, root mealybug crawlers, aphids, spider mites). Adults and larvae are active and aggressive predators. To find preys, this rove beetle are able to move in organic matter (e.g residues of plants), drains and on the plant leaves. Dalotia (Atheta) coriaria adapts to different substrates such potting soil, coconut fiber, rockwool and can be introduce to hydroponic systems. In greenhouses, it establishes easily and maintain a permanent pression on pest populations.

Adults are 3-4 mm long and are slender with short wing covers. They are light to dark brown in color. Females lay eggs in the soil and larvae hatch 2-3 days later. Dalotia larva are thin and yellow to brown in color. They live in the ground. Both adults and larvae are active and voracious predators. Adult Dalotia have an interesting habit of curving the abdomen upwards like scorpions and can run or fly when disturbed. Since they actively fly, they rapidly colonize the release area.

Dalotia (Atheta) coriaria is compatible with the predatory mite Stratiolaelaps scimitus (Hypoaspis miles), Nematodes Steirnenema spp. and Heterorhabditis spp. and with bio-insecticides based on pathogenic fungus such as Bioceres WP