# Neoseiulus cucumeris

> A predatory mite that eats first-stage thrips larvae and some broad and cyclamen mites; tolerant of cooler rooms and widely used in sachets as a preventive.

- Canonical: https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/neoseiulus-cucumeris.html
- Also written: cucumeris, N. cucumeris, Amblyseius cucumeris
- Glossary category: Pests and diseases · Evidence: Established
- Status: Draft: awaiting expert review · Updated: 2026-10-31
- Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/), attribute "GenetixBay cannabis glossary"

*Neoseiulus cucumeris*, formerly *Amblyseius cucumeris*, is a phytoseiid [predatory mite](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/predatory-mite.md) that feeds mainly on first-instar [thrips](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/thrips.md) larvae. It also takes [broad mites](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/broad-mite.md), [cyclamen mites](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/cyclamen-mite.md) and pollen. It cannot overpower older thrips larvae or adults, so it works as [prevention](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/cultural-control.md), not as rescue.

## In practice

Growers hang slow-release sachets, which breed [mites](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/two-spotted-spider-mite.md) on a food source and release them for several weeks, or sprinkle loose material across the canopy from veg onward. It works at cooler temperatures than *[Amblyseius swirskii](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/amblyseius-swirskii.md)*, which makes it the usual choice in rooms that run below about 20 °C (68 °F). It is less persistent without prey, so sachets are replaced every few weeks. Pair it with a soil-dwelling predator or nematodes to catch thrips at the pupal stage in the medium. Avoid incompatible sprays near release dates.

## Don't confuse with

- **Amblyseius swirskii**: stronger and longer-lasting, but needs warmth.
- **Orius**: eats adult thrips too and flies between plants.
- **Stratiolaelaps scimitus**: a soil mite, not a foliage predator.

## Related terms

[Thrips](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/thrips.md), [Amblyseius swirskii](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/amblyseius-swirskii.md), [Broad mite](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/broad-mite.md), [Preventive release](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/preventive-release.md), [Predatory mite](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/predatory-mite.md)

## Read more

- [Thrips on cannabis: life table, temperature, scouting and biological control](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/pests/thrips.md)

## Sources

1. UConn IPM. Biological Control of Western Flower Thrips. https://ipm.cahnr.uconn.edu/ipm-biological-control-of-western-flower-thrips/
2. UC IPM. Pest Notes: Thrips (Publication 7429). https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7429.html