Description
Dalotia coriaria (formerly Atheta) is a native species of soil dwelling rove beetle which feeds on small insects and mites. Both adults and larvae are active, aggressive predators and are attracted to decomposing plant or animal material and algae where their hosts are found.
They are light to dark brown in color, adults are 1/8 inch long, slender with short wing covers. Rove beetles have an interesting habit of curving the abdomen upwards like scorpions and can run or fly when disturbed. Since they actively fly, they rapidly colonize the release area.
Target Pests
Shoreflies (Ephydridae) Fungus Gnats (Sciaridae) Western Flower Thrips (Frankliniella Occidentalis)
Life Cycle
The complete life cycle takes 21 days at 70F. The Sex ratio is equal 1:1 females to males. Eggs hatch in 3-4 days into young larval stages. Larvae resemble adults, and pupal chambers are constructed out of silk. Each Dalotia consumes 10-20 prey per day. Adults live for 21 days and are non-diapausing under greenhouse conditions. Populations will naturally fluctuate throughout the growing season depending on host numbers.
Use in Biological Control
Dalotia are used primarily to assist in the control of shoreflies and fungus gnats and other small arthropods in the soil or planting media. They also help control soil stages of thrips and feed on most other small soil organisms such as moth flies, springtails and root mealybugs.
They have been used successfully in vegetable, bedding and potted plant production and seedling and cutting propagation. They adapt well to the various growth media (including rock wool and coconut fiber) and capillary mats used in plant production, but do not survive freezing or flooding conditions.
Note: Dalotia works well when used along with the predatory mite Stratiolaelaps, although Dalotia has a longer life cycle and takes longer to establish than Stratiolaelaps.
Monitoring Tips
Active adults and larvae may be seen by disturbing the top inch of soil and watching for movement. Freshly cut potato can be used for attracting and monitoring both Dalotia and fungus gnat larvae bay placing pieces of potato, cut surface down on the soil or growing media in different areas of the greenhouse.
Product Information
Dalotia is available in bottles of 100 to 1,000 adults in peat/vermiculite media. To check the product for live Dalotia, inspect on arrival and look for the adults moving in the media. They are active fliers so do not open containers until in the release area. The predators should be applied as soon as received. If necessary, containers can be held at 50
Introduction Rates
Dalotia is most effective when applications are started before fungus gnat populations become well established, or while numbers are still low (below 10/trap/week). One application of Dalotia per crop cycle is usually sufficient if started early in the season. Can be used in soil culture, sawdust or rock wool culture.
Apply 1/10ft2. Release throughout the greenhouse at a rate of 100-1,000/greenhouse weekly or biweekly (depending on greenhouse history of shoreflies and fungus gnats) until a total of 1/10ft2 is reached. To ensure reproduction and mating, release 50-100 in one spot in the center of the release area. Be sure to treat areas of wet, exposed soil or floor where fungus gnats and shoreflies are likely to breed.
For Best Results
Maintain large and healthy populations of Dalotia by constructing a DIY breeder box. Watch our Sound Horticulture video to learn how.
Using Chemicals
For information on expected effects of pesticides, contact Sound Horticulture. It is likely that foliar sprays are less harmful than soil drenches, depending upon how much pesticide reaches the soil surface. Microbial pesticides such as Gnatrol will not harm Dalotia.
Content Courtesy of Applied Bionomics Ltd.
