Who feeds on spider mites? - briefly
Predatory mites (e.g., Phytoseiulus persimilis, Neoseiulus californicus), lady‑beetle larvae, lacewing adults and larvae, predatory thrips, and certain spider species all consume spider mites. These natural enemies are commonly used in biological control programs to suppress mite populations.
Who feeds on spider mites? - in detail
Predatory mites are the primary natural enemies of spider mites. Species such as Phytoseiulus persimilis, Neoseiulus californicus, and Amblyseius swirskii consume all mobile stages and can reduce populations rapidly. P. persimilis specializes on spider mites, completing a generation in 5–7 days at 25 °C and ingesting up to 30 adult mites per day. N. californicus tolerates cooler temperatures and lower humidity, making it suitable for greenhouse environments where conditions fluctuate. A. swirskii also attacks whiteflies and thrips, providing broader pest control.
Lady beetle larvae, especially those of Stethorus punctillum and Stethorus punctatus, prey on spider mites. A single larva can destroy 150–200 mites during its development, preferring the egg and nymph stages. Adult lady beetles contribute less directly but can locate and consume dense mite colonies.
Green lacewing larvae (Chrysoperla spp.) feed on spider mite eggs and early instars. A third‑instar larva may ingest 50–70 eggs per day, and the species thrives in humid, vegetative habitats.
Predatory thrips, notably Scolothrips longicornis, puncture and consume mite eggs and soft-bodied stages. Their small size allows penetration of leaf surfaces where mites reside.
Predatory bugs of the genus Orius (minute pirate bugs) capture spider mites with their raptorial forelegs. An adult Orius can eliminate 30–40 mites per day, and the insects survive well on a mixed diet of mites, aphids, and pollen.
Certain spiders, such as the garden jumping spider (Phidippus audax), seize adult spider mites on foliage. While individual capture rates are modest, spider presence contributes to overall predator diversity.
Entomopathogenic fungi, including Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium spp., infect and kill spider mites, acting as biological control agents rather than direct consumers.
In summary, effective biological suppression of spider mites relies on a suite of predators: predatory mites, lady beetle larvae, lacewing larvae, predatory thrips, pirate bugs, spiders, and pathogenic fungi. Each group operates under specific environmental parameters, and integrating several agents enhances control stability across varying horticultural conditions.