Neoseiulus californicus, formerly Amblyseius californicus, is a phytoseiid predatory mite that prefers spider mites but will also feed on broad mites, other small mites and pollen. It is pale and translucent, about 0.3-0.5 mm, and slower than Phytoseiulus persimilis. Its broader diet lets it survive when prey is scarce.
In practice
Growers use californicus as a preventive, standing army: released across the canopy in veg, often in sachets, before spider mites are seen. It copes with warmer temperatures and lower humidity better than persimilis, which suits many indoor rooms. It eats fewer mites per day, so on a heavy outbreak it is paired with persimilis on hot spots. It is also one of the predators used against broad mites. Releasing it well before flower gives populations time to establish. Keep incompatible sprays out of the release window.
Don't confuse with
- Phytoseiulus persimilis: a fast specialist that crashes without spider mites.
- Amblyseius swirskii: better on thrips and whitefly; needs warmth.
- Neoseiulus fallacis: a related species used mainly outdoors and in cooler climates.
Mites, mostly of the family Phytoseiidae, released as biological control to eat pest mites, thrips larvae, whitefly eggs or fungus gnat larvae.Tetranychus urticae, the commonest cannabis mite indoors: a 0.5 mm sap-feeder that stipples leaves pale and spins webbing, breeding fastest in hot, dry rooms.Polyphagotarsonemus latus, a microscopic tarsonemid mite whose toxic feeding twists, glazes and stunts new growth; often mistaken for calcium deficiency or heat stress.A specialist predatory mite that eats almost only Tetranychus spider mites, eggs to adults; fast-acting on hot spots but starves once prey runs out.A warmth-loving generalist predatory mite that eats thrips larvae, whitefly eggs and nymphs and broad mites, and can persist on pollen.Slender insects about 1-2 mm long, chiefly western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis), that rasp leaf surfaces, leaving silvery streaks dotted with black frass.Small white-winged sap-sucking insects of the family Aleyrodidae, mainly Trialeurodes vaporariorum and Bemisia tabaci, that fly up when disturbed and coat leaves in honeydew.Releasing beneficial organisms before a pest is found, so a standing population is ready to catch the first arrivals rather than chase an outbreak.
