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
.Vial containing adults of Dalotia coriaria in perlite/coconut fiber.
Bag containing adults of Dalotia coriaria in perlite/coconet fiber.
Dalotia (Atheta) coriaria is most effective when applications are started before fungus gnat population becomes well established or while numbers are still low (below 10/trap/week). One application of Dalotia per crop cycle is usually sufficient if started early in the season.
To ensure reproduction and mating, release a maintenance rate of 50-100 Dalotia per production area. Be sure to treat areas with wet, exposed areas of soil, where fungus gnats and shore flies are likely to breed.
Introduction | Quantity | Surface | Frequency | Duration |
---|---|---|---|---|
Preventive | 1 | per m2 or 100-1000 per greenhouse | weekly or bi-weekly | until a total of 1/ m2(or 10/sq.ft) |
Curative medium | 5 | per m2 | weekly or bi-weekly | as needed |
Curative heavy | 10 | per m2 | weekly or bi-weekly | as needed |
Maintenance | 50-100 | center of the greenhouse | as needed | as needed |