Origin, current distribution and general description
The predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis, of South American origin, is a well-known biological control agent against spider mites. Its use is very popular both in the Americas, Europe and Asia. The adult female is an orange-red pear-shaped mite rather longer than its prey. It has longer front legs and a characteristic rapid movement when disturbed or exposed to bright light. The nymphs are oval and pale-pink in color. 

Basic biology
Females lay eggs singly on the underside of leaves among colonies of spider mites. After about 3 days (at 20oC) a six-legged larva hatches and a day later it moults into an eight-legged nymph which can consume 4-5 eggs of its prey before turning into another nymphal stage. The latter is able to eat about 6 eggs or young spider mite stages within two days. Adults consume about 7 mites/day. Oviposition may continue for about three weeks at a rate of 2-3 eggs/day (total around 50). Under favorable temperatures (21-27oC) the predatory mite completes its life cycle within a week, almost twice as quickly as its prey. It is, therefore, not surprising that this predator is considered to be highly effective and is capable of eradicating spider mite populations.

APPLICATION
P. persimilis is packed in a 100 cc bottle containing a minimum of 2,000 or 4000 predatory mites mixed in a vermiculite carrier.
 The material can be sprinkled from the bottle over the crop or applied by especially designed distribution boxes that are hung on the plant. The former application method is good for horizontal crops whereas the latter is more effective in vertical crops.
 Prior to opening, the bottle should be rotated gently while in horizontal position to allow proper mixing of the predatory mites in the vermiculite carrier.
 Application of SPIDEX® should be carried out either early in the morning or late in the afternoon, under relatively mild temperatures.
 SPIDEX® is shipped in isolated styrofoam boxes chilled with icepacks. This packaging must be kept intact until it reaches the end-user.
 When applied, the bottles should be taken from shipment package one by one and the predators should be released immediately.
If necessary, SPIDEX® can be stored for 24 hours at a temperature of 8-10°C from the minute of arrival until release, but it should never be frozen. 

P. persimilis should be introduced upon first sign of spider mite damage. The dosage to be introduced depends upon the nature of the crop, the ecosystem (e.g. open field or greenhouse) and the rate of spider mite infestation. Temperatures of 21-27°C and high humidity (above 60%) will enhance predator activity and ensure its success.

Declaration:
Bio-Bee Sde Eliyahu Ltd. produces and markets biological products. Production is carried out using innovative techniques under controlled quality assurance standards such as ISO 9001:2000, as well as IOBC's international standards for mass-production of insects.
All products are tested to meet specification requirements before leaving the factory.
Bio-Bee is not responsible for the outcome of implementation in the field, as it has no control over the method of application, local conditions, treatment/storage of product not according to instructions, etc.