Phytoseiid Mites
Scientific Names
Galendromus (=Typhlodromus) pyri (Scheuten) and Galendromus (=Typhlodromus) caudiglans
Identification
- Typhlodromus pyri and T. caudiglans are both very similar in appearance to Neoseiulus (=Amblyseius) fallacis and all three species are not readily distinguished without careful examination of small taxonomic features.
- Adults are the lifestage seen most frequently when examining leaf samples for phytophagous mites under a microscope.
- Adults are slightly smaller then European red mite adults (0.3 mm), yellowish white, translucent, and have a teardrop shaped body.
- Adults and larvae take on the reddish brown colour of the prey they consume.
Often Confused With
Neoseiulus (=Amblyseius) fallacis and can not be distinguished without careful examination of small taxonomic features.
Interaction With Host
T. pyri is phytoseiid mite species found in vineyards. Adults and nymphs feed on phytophagous mites. During the summer, several generations develop.
T. pyri is not as voracious a feeder and is not capable of the rapid population increases seen with N. fallacis, limiting its usefulness in managing pest mite population explosions. Unlike N. fallacis, it is a generalist feeder and able to survive on alternate food sources and remains in the vine canopy when primary prey items such as European red mite are scarce. The feeding biology of T. caudiglans is similar to T. pyri. It is also an effective predator in cool, humid conditions, which often occurs at the start and end of the season when the weather is cooler and prey densities are low.
Period of Activity
Pre-bloom through harvest.
Insects Attacked
European red mite
Monitoring and Management
Predatory mites are effective biological control agents of pest mites.
Make counts of all predatory mites, including T. pyri and T. caudiglans,
when conducting leaf sampling for phytophagous mites. Along with stimgaeid
mties, these phytoseiid mites are the most abundant predatory mites in
Ontario vineyards. These predatory mites can be very sensitive to
some insecticides. Refer
to Pub 360 Fruit Crop Protection Guide for more information on the
toxicity of pesticides to beneficial insects and mites.
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