Predatory mites Home > Pest management > beneficials > predatory mites Predatory mites can be distinguished from pest species by observing the speed of their movement. When disturbed, predators generally move quicker than pest mites. Predator abundance is strongly affected by pesticide use. Zetzellia mali has some tolerance for organophosphate and carbamate (Sevin) insecticides, but is susceptible to endosulfan (thiodan). Z. mali are bright yellow with orange markings and a somewhat pointed posterior.     Amblyseius fallacis adults (right) are tear-shaped, translucent, and very fast moving. Agistemus fleschneri (left) adults are oval with a somewhat pointed posterior. They turn reddish-yellow upon feeding on pest mites. Typhlodromus pyri (not pictured) is very similar in appearance to A. fallacis, but is slower moving. They are present in the tree canopy from April through September. Additional information About natural enemies (from Fruit Crop Ecology and Management) For more monitoring information and evaluation of available pesticides: Michigan Fruit Management Guide A Practical Guide to Scouting Apple Orchards – a DVD showing how to scout apple orchards. MSU Diagnostic Services for assistance in pest identification. MSU Fruit Crop Advisory Team Alert newsletters for current pest/crop conditions. This information was developed from A Pocket Guide for IPM Scouting in Michigan Apples by David Epstein, Larry J. Gut and George W. Sundin. Purchase this in a pocket-sized guide for reference in the orchard from MSU Extension (publication E-2720).
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09/22/08 Funding support: Project GREEEN, the Michigan Apple Committee and the MSU IPM Program. Read disclaimer. Web developer: J.N. Landis.