Phytoseiulus

Phytoseiulus is a genus of mites in the Phytoseiidae family. A predatory mite, this is the mite predator most frequently used to control two-spotted spider mites in greenhouses and outdoor crops grown in mild environments. This mite was accidentally introduced into Germany from Chile in 1958; it was subsequently shipped to other parts of the world, including California and Florida, from Germany. A Phytoseiulus mite can consume up to seven adult spider mites or several dozen of their eggs in a day. Adult females are reddish, pear-shaped, about 0.5 mm long, and active at room temperature. Immatures and males are smaller and lighter in color. Eggs are oblong. About 80% are females. At optimum temperatures, Phytoseiidae can develop from egg to adult in seven days and live up to a month. A well-fed female lays about 50 eggs in her lifetime.

Environment
Ideal temperature range is 70–85 °F with relative humidity of 70–80% inside the plant canopy. Minimum temperature for activity is 50 °F. This predator does best when humidity is 60% or higher with a temperature range of 55 to 105 °F.

Biology
typical values @ 68 to 77 °F
 * sex ratio: four females/male
 * average eggs laid per day: 2.4
 * lifespan: 30–36 days - days from egg to adult: 7.5
 * average eggs per female: 54
 * population increase = 44 x in generation time of 17 days
 * prey consumed per day: 7 adults, 20 immatures or 25 eggs

Species
The genus Phytoseiulus contains these species:
 * Phytoseiulus fragariae Denmark & Schicha, 1983
 * Phytoseiulus longipes Evans, 1958
 * Phytoseiulus macropilis (Banks, 1904)
 * Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot, 1957 [synonymy: Phytoseiulus riegeli Dosse, 1958 ; Phytoseiulus tardi (Lombardini, 1959) ]
 * Phytoseiulus robertsi (Baker, 1990)