Feltiella acarisuga: merciless gall midge larva

What is Feltiella acarisuga?

• Gall midge, the larvae of which are beneficials
• The larvae feed on various species of spider mite (such as two spotted spider mite and carmine spider mite) in any stage of development
• The adult gall midges feed on pollen and nectar
• Immediately after hatching, the larvae start sucking their prey empty
• The female has excellent searching ability for spider mite hot spots where she can lay more than a 100 eggs

What are the benefits of Feltiella acarisuga?

• Also active in cold and dark weather in spring and autumn
• Contrary to some other gall midge species, larvae of Feltiella acarisuga do not cause damage by forming galls on leaves
• Feltiella acarisuga eats 30 spider mites in various stages, which is at least 5 times as many as the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis
• The larvae also eat spider mites in diapause

In which crops is Feltiella acarisuga effective?

• Vegetable crops
• Strawberries and other soft fruits
• Various ornamentals

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