Atheta
Predatory Beetle
Dalotia coriaria
Used for:
Fungus gnats, shore flies and thrips
Quantities Available:
Container Size:
Packaging Style:
Notes:
1,000 - 3,000
1L - 5L
Tube - Bucket
Contains Adult beetles in peat carrier material.
When to use Atheta?
Use Atheta for the biological control of fungus gnats (Sciara), shore flies (Scatella stagnalis), and western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis).
How does Atheta work?
Atheta beetles rove their surroundings in search of prey, moving through substrate, along drainage systems and on plant leaves. Adults and larvae are active and aggressive predators of sciarid fly (Sciara) and shore fly (Scatella) eggs, larvae and pupae. Adults also prey on the 2nd larval stage and pupae of the western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis). These beetles consume their prey in its entirety.
Because of their flight capability, adults can travel throughout a greenhouse, ensuring good distribution and fast population development. Total development time from egg to adult takes about three weeks at 25ºC. After that period the adult predatory beetle will be active for approx. three weeks. An adult female will lay 8 eggs per day during the first two weeks after maturing.
Application Atheta
- Introduce at least 2 predatory beetles per m² by distributing the content of 1 package (1,000 beetles) into 10 to 20 small piles on the surface of the plant substrate (compost, coconut fibre, rock wool, etc.)
- Always consult a Koppert Specialist before use.
Handling
Biological beneficials have a very short life expectancy and therefore need to be introduced into the crop as soon as possible after receipt. Failure to do so can have a negative impact on their quality. In case you do need to store Atheta, please follow the instructions below. Koppert B.V. is not liable for any loss of quality if the product is stored for longer and/or under different conditions than recommended.
- Storage after receipt: Max. 1–2 days
- Storage temperature: 8–10°C / 46–50°F
- Storage humidity: RH>85 %.
Dosage
The information given below is merely indicative. Tailored advice can be provided if information is available on the local factors that need to be taken into account, such as the crop, the climate conditions and the level of infestation. For the correct approach, please consult a Koppert specialist or a recognized distributor of Koppert products.