Amblyseius fallacis is a North American native generalist predatory mite that feeds on most mites. Unlike other predatory mites, this biocontrol agent can survive low temperatures and remain in areas with low levels of spider mites; able to feed on an array of pests, especially their eggs, as well as pollen. Best used preventatively.
Adults of this beneficial mite have tan to light orange, pear-shaped bodies (0.5 mm long), and shiny long legs. Immature predators are cream colored or semi-transparent, and eggs are oval (0.3 mm long).
A. fallacis is used with greenhouse peppers, field strawberries, raspberries, currants and mint. In BC, Washington, and Oregon, IPM programs for field berry crops are based on using A. fallacis as the primary control for spider mites.
A. fallacis is more resistant to pesticides than most biological controls and can remain in areas with low levels of spider mites by feeding on other prey as well as pollen, making them a good option for prevention. They also feed and reproduce at lower temperatures than many other predator mites (48°-85°F, with a relative humidity over 50%)
