Predatory mites
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Predatory mites belong to the family Phytoseiidae. They are important in orchards and greenhouses for controlling their plant feeding relatives, especially spider mites. Predatory mites and mites that are plant pests look very similar, but the predatory mites are often smaller and much more active as they are hunting for their prey. They can have a different color and usually have longer legs. A number of predatory mite species are mass produced for control of spider mites or thrips.
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 A predatory mite attacks a spider mite. |
To rear predatory mites it is necessary to first grow
plants that are heavily infested with mites or other prey.
Plants infested with red mites are used to rear predatory
mites.