Staphyline biological control agent contains the predatory beetle, Atheta coriaria. It can be used in crops such as herbs and ornamentals to protect against soil and compost pests. It is a generalist feeder, but adults and young stages are particularly good at feeding on the larvae of fungus gnats (Bradysia spp, Lycoriella spp, and Sciara spp) and shoreflies (Scatella spp).
Key Features
>> Formulation contains mixed life stages – adults, larvae, pupae and eggs – for a balanced population.
>> Visible predator. Adults are mobile resulting in good dispersal and establishment.
>> Tolerant of a wide range of temperatures, humidity, light, irrigation and soil conditions, making them more suitable for year-round use in the greenhouse than other predators.
Main uses
>> Fungus gnats
>> Shoreflies
>> Thrips pupae
How It Works
>> Introduced early in the growing season with careful management, good populations will build up in the greenhouse to give high levels of control.
>> Fast-moving predator effective at a wide temperature range of 54-95°F/12-35°C.
>> Belongs to a family of beetles renowned for aggressive feeding behavior, particularly on soil-dwelling larvae of small Diptera species.
