Atheta coriaria 500 pcs Biopol

Atheta coriaria is a rove beetle effective against harmful soil organisms such as fungus gnats (eggs, larvae, and pupae) and shore flies. It also helps control California thrips (larval stages and pupae) and moths like Duponchelia (eggs and small larvae). Atheta can be released in many ornamental and vegetable crops.

Atheta coriaria is actively hunting for prey in all stages. Both larvae and adults are predatory, using their mandibles to kill and consume their prey. The life cycle from egg to adult takes 3 to 4 weeks in greenhouse conditions. Adults live for another 3 to 4 weeks and lay around 100–125 eggs.

Atheta goes through three larval stages before becoming an adult beetle. Larvae and adults are elongated and up to 4 mm in size. The larvae are yellowish, while the adult beetles are shiny dark brown/black and covered in fine hairs. Larvae are found in the soil, and adults prefer moist areas near decaying or damaged plant tissue. Distribution through the crop is rapid due to the adults’ ability to fly.

Application:

• Beetles can be spread over rockwool, potting soil, coconut fiber, or any other substrate.

• Best released in small piles on the ground under the crop.

• Dry conditions can negatively impact population development.

• Apply in the early morning or evening.

• For faster establishment, repeat the introduction one week later using the same rate per meter.

• After a few weeks, pest pressure stops increasing or decreases.

• Supplied in tubes with 500 predatory beetles and a mix of potting soil and vermiculite as a spreading medium.

• Short shelf life; store at 10–15°C and ≥85% relative humidity.