Anystis baccarum the whirligig mite, is a superior predator of aphids, mealybug, thrips and more. Organic pest control for healthy plants.

Description

• Also known as Crazee mite or Whirligig mite
• Generalist predator in the Anystidae family
• Adults relatively large, roughly twice the size as an adult persimilis
• Bright orange or red in color
• Noticeable hairs on legs and abdomen
• Extremely fast, runs in erratic patterns
• Highly mobile and will readily cross exposed concrete

Target Pests

Thrips, Aphids, Spider Mites, Whitefly, Echinothrips, Mealybug, Psyliid, Soft Scale, Root and Foxglove Aphids and more.

Life Cycle

A complete life cycle takes approximately 4 weeks from egg to adult. Anystis mites have one larval and three nymph stages before reaching maturity. All stages are predatory and all mites are female. Adults live for up to three weeks during which they continually feed. Eggs are typically laid in loose substrate in small clusters of 15-30 eggs several times during the adult stage. Eggs and larval stages prefer moist, warm conditions but will still develop as low as 50°F. 

Use in Biological Control

• Research is ongoing with this relatively new biocontrol. Anystis baccarum is well suited for both outdoor applications in gardens and field crops as well as indoor operations such as greenhouses, nurseries, tropicals and on house plants. 
• Optimum conditions are 75°F and humidity over 70% RH
• While egg viability is dependent on moisture, adults and nymphs remain active and fit within a large range of temperature and humidity
• Research in Canada (Vineland Research and Innovation Centre) has shown that thrips control by Anystis baccarum is greater than other biocontrol agents, but greater when combined with Amblyseius cucumeris. 
• Is compatible with most biocontrols, with insignificant intra-guild predation
• Anystis can rely on aphids as their only food source and are known to control most species of aphids
• Anystis has a long history in conservational biocontrol against a variety of agricultural pests, including the European Red Mite
• Applicable for all indoor and outdoor crops and applications

Monitoring Tips

Watch for these large, bright orange or red mites moving quickly across leaf surfaces, concrete or greenhouse structural components. They will slow down and stop while feeding and can be found hidden on the undersides of leaves. Nymphs have a paler color, are smaller, slower and more difficult to see. Eggs and pupa are often in growing media or other cryptic locations. The most consistent strategy to monitor this mite is to measure the reduction of pests. 

Product Information 

• Craze Mite 1,000.  One thousand adults in wood shavings in a plastic pouch. Allow 10% mortality. Upon receipt, gently acclimatize the container and release in a central location. Avoid piling the entire contents to minimize cannibalism. 
• Crazee Mite 250. 250 adults in wood shavings in a plastic tub. Details as above. 
• Crazee Mite 250 Eggs. Hundreds of eggs to produce at least 250 mobiles. Gently acclimatize before releasing. Open lid and place in a central location. Scout for nymphs emerging from the container and regularly move the container throughout the crop as the eggs hatch. 

Introduction Rates

• Most growers agree that 0.25 mites per square foot is a sufficient preventative rate, however this number may change based on crop, pest and environment. 
• Knock-down rates will vary also. 0.25 mites per square foot will immediately impact some pest populations, but greater rates will result in quicker knock-down.

For Best Results

• Aphid control is best achieved with preventative applications of Crazee Mites as need, and regular preventative releases of Aphidoletes every three weeks during the peak aphid season. 
• Spider mite control is best with Neoseiulus fallacis introduced preventatively at a rate of 2 mites per square foot, followed by a Crazee Mite application of 0.25 mites per square foot. 
• Thrips control is best achieved with an introductory rate of Crazee Mites at 0.25 per square foot and reapplied as needed. Combine with regular releases of Amblyseius cucumeris every 4-5 weeks or as needed.
  

Using Pesticides

There is no current list of pesticide compatibility or resistance for Anystis baccarum. Historical data notes the presence of Anystis baccarum in orchards after chemical applications, however, all beneficial insects and mites perform best with no chemical interference. 

Read more on our Bug Blog - Anystis, No Ordinary Mite

Content Courtesy of Applied Bio-nomics Ltd