Use Atheta for the biological control of fungus gnats (Sciara), shore flies (Scatella stagnalis), and western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis).
"The general conditions of Koppert (Koppert B.V. and/or of its affiliated companies) apply. Only use products that are permitted in your country/state and crop. Always comply with the conditions specified in local product registrations. Koppert cannot be held liable for unauthorized use. Koppert is not liable for any loss of quality if the product is stored for longer than recommended and/or under incorrect conditions."
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.
Dalotia coriaria performs best at a 24-hour average greenhouse temperature of 25°C/77°F.
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.
