Phytoseiulus persimilis P. persimilis adult, courtesy of Buglogical Control Systems. Phytoseiulus persimilis , a predaceous mite, is one of the mainstays of greenhouse integrated pest management programs for control of spider mites on vegetables and ornamentals in Europe, North America, and elsewhere. This mite was accidentally introduced into Germany from Chili in 1958 and subsequently shipped to other parts of the world, including California and Florida, from Germany. It is fast moving, orange to bright reddish orange, has a teardrop-shaped body and long legs, and is slightly larger than its prey. Immatures are a pale salmon color.
Eggs are oval, approximately twice as large as the pest mite eggs.
Habitat Greenhouses, interior plantscapes, and crops where twospotted spider mites are a problem. This species is a specialized predator of web-spinning spider mites such as the twospotted spider mite. In fact, P. persimilis feeds, reproduces, and completes development only on mites in the subfamily Tetranychinae, although it also feeds on young thrips and can be cannabilistic when spider mite prey is unavailable. Life Cycle P. persimilis eggs hatch in 2-3 days, and although the larval stage does not feed, the subsequent nymphs and adults feed on all stages of prey. Generation times of from seven to 17 days are possible, depending on temperature and humidity.