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Neoseiulus cucumeris

Identification

Neoseiulus cucumeris is a predatory mite used to suppress immature thrips, two-spotted spider mites, cyclamen (or strawberry) mites (Phytonemus pallidus), broad mites (Polyphagotarsonemus latus) and mites of the genus Schizotetranychus in ornamental, fruit and market garden crops.

Adults are pear-shaped, 0.5 mm long, with long legs. The eggs are round and transparent and measure 0.14 mm in diameter. These mites lay their eggs on leaf hairs (trichomes) and along the veins on the inner surface of leaves. The eggs hatch about 3 days later.

Neoseiulus cucumeris attacks immature stages of Onion thrips (Thrips tabaci) and Western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis). Control results are observed after 3 weeks. Etablishment of Neoseiulus cucumeris requires 4-8 weeks when ideal contitions are present.

In absence of prey, Neoseiulus cucumeris feed on eggs and immature stage of Phytoseiulus persimilis. It can be used with the soil mite Stratiolaelaps scimitus, Dalotia (Atheta) coriaria and withOrius insidiosus.

Ornamental plants in the greenhouse
Market garden crops (cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, etc.)
Interior and exterior (planters and other flower boxes)

Onion thrips (Thrips tabaci)
Western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis)
Eastern flower thrips (Frankliniella tritici)
Cyclamen (or strawberry) mite (Phytonemus pallidus)
Broad mite (Polyphagotarsonemus latus)
Spruce spider mite (Oligonychus ununguis)
Mite of the genus Schizotetranychus

The life cycle lasts 10 to 12 days at 20 ° C. Adults can live up to 30 days.
Optimal conditions are 20 °C to 25 °C (66-77 °F) with 66% to 70% relative humidity.
Females lay 1-3 eggs per day, for a total of 35 eggs in their lifetime.
Adults consume 1 thrips per day.
Cucumeris does not enter diapause.
Do not use above 25°C (77°F). Use Amblyseius swirskii

Sachet

Cucumeris in sachet.
To hang on the leaves.

Tube |Bran

Cucumeris in tube with bran.
To sprinkle on the foliage

Tube | Vermiculite

Cucumeris in tube with vermiculite.
To sprinkle on the foliage.

Use of sachets

To hang on the foliage . The bags are made of water-resistant paper containing a mixture of predatory mites (Cucumeris), meal mites (prey) and substrate (bran). The bag becomes a kind of mini farm which gradually produces predatory mites over 4 to 6 weeks, depending on environmental conditions.

Use of tubes

To sprinkle on the foliage . Tubes with bran contain predatory mites at several stages of development (eggs, juveniles and adults) and flour mites (as prey). While tubes with vermiculite contain only predatory mites (adult and juvenile stages).