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Gaeolaelaps gillespiei

Gaeolaelaps gillespie predatory mite thrips

Description

The soil dwelling predatory mite Gaeolaelaps gillespiei is pear-shaped with long legs and is 1,0 mm long. Its color can vary from cream to brown. Male is thin while the famale has a larger body, thinck front legs and long mouth parts. Female lay eggs into the top of soil. The eggs are oval and measure 0.5 mm and they hatch in about 2-3 days. The immature stages are usually paler almost semi-transparent. Gaeolaelaps gillespiei look very similar compared to Stratiolaelaps scimitus (Hypoaspis miles).

This predator is a native species, discovered and tested 30 years ago by Dave Gillespie of Agriculture Canada. While still not well know, it has proven very effective at controlling soil-dwelling flies. It consumes over 50% more fungus gnats (7 fungus gnats larvae per day) compare to Stratiolaelaps. Gaeolaelaps gillespiei will also on Thrips larvae which drop to the soil to pupate.

Availability

Store

Commercial

Targeted crops

Market garden crops (cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, etc.)
Ornamental plants (diversifié, poinsettia, etc.)
Cannabis
Mushrooms
Plant nursery

Targeted pests

Fungus gnats
Shore flies
Thrips

Life cycle

Optimum conditions are temperatures between 15 and 25 °C
Life cycle last approximately 18 days at 20 °C (68 °F).
Sex ratio is equivalent, 1 female for 1 male.
The eggs hatch after 2 to 3 days.
Each Gaeo eats 7 fungus gnats larvae per day.
For lack of food, it becomes a detritivore and feeds on algae and plant debris. On this diet, Gaeo will survive but they will not reproduce unless well fed.
Becomes inactive at 14 °C.

Products

Gaeolaelaps gillespiei predatory mites are distributed in plastic bag or in plastic tube. Please refer to our catalogue.

AB009 - Gaeolaelaps gillespiei - 25 000 individual
AB088 - Gaeolaelaps gillespiei - 125 000 individuals - bag only
AB089 - Gaeolaelaps gillespiei - 250 000 individuals - bag only

Application

Sprinkle Gaeolaelaps on different type of substrates such as potting soil, coconut fiber, rock wool, etc. In indoor productions, it is know to settle well in bedding, potted plants and propagation trays. Gaeolaelaps adapt well to the various growth media and capillary mats used in plant production, but do not survive freezing or flooding conditions.

This predatory mite is very mobile and it can be found on the substrate surface and even on the first leaves of the plant; if food is lacking. To properly establish Gaeo, always introduce twice, 2-3 weeks apart. Reapply as needed if pest population increases. For best results, apply Gaeolaelaps to the soil before pest detection.

Introduction rate
Introduction	Quantity	Surface	Frequency	Duration
Preventive	100	per m²	Repeat if necessary after 2 to 3 weeks	as needed
Curative	200	per m²	Repeat if necessary after 2 to 3 weeks	as needed

Product data sheet(s)

Gaeolaelaps gillespiei technical sheet

Additional information

Targeted pest

Targeted production

Did you know

Biological control as a scientific endeavor began more than 130 years ago (beginning in the 1880s).

Source : Encyclopedia of Insects (Vincent H. Resh et Ring T. Cardé, 2003)