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Bugs for Bugs Dalotia coriaria
Bugs for Bugs Dalotia coriaria introduces a mobile rove beetle to the growing medium, where both adults and larvae prey on small insects and mites. Fungus gnat and shore fly eggs and larvae are important targets, while the beetles also contribute to management of western flower thrips, root aphids and root mealybugs. Their ability to use a range of prey helps them remain in the crop when the main pest is still at a low level.
Adult Dalotia can fly, but spend much of their time searching within the growing medium. Their larvae also hunt there, putting feeding pressure into the places where many soil-borne pests develop. Once released, the beetles move readily through suitable habitat and may become difficult to find. That movement is useful for distribution, but it means the number of visible adults is only one part of assessing establishment.
Dalotia can be used in indoor and outdoor production and establishes in soil, compost, potting mixes, coconut coir and rock wool. It favours warm, humid conditions. The beetles tolerate wetter conditions better than some other soil predators, although a constantly saturated medium is still less favourable than one with suitable moisture. They can complement Hypoaspis mites around the roots and other biological agents working in the foliage, giving a programme coverage across different parts of the pest life cycle.
Early, repeated introductions are useful before pest numbers build. Release material is placed in small piles on the surface of the growing medium, with extra attention to problem areas. Monitoring can include crop inspections, sticky traps and raw potato slices placed cut-side down to attract both fungus gnat larvae and Dalotia larvae. This gives a closer look at activity below the foliage. Check the history of sprays and soil treatments before release, as pesticide residues can undermine establishment even when the rest of the growing conditions are suitable.
NOTE: These are living insects with a short shelf life, so we don't hold them in store. Your order ships fresh, direct from the breeder.
Species image credits: Dalotia coriaria (Kraatz, 1856).jpg - Udo Schmidt (URSchmidt); CC BY-SA 4.0; source; CC BY-SA 4.0. Background removed and resized.
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Rove beetles that hunt fungus gnats right down in the growing medium!
Works Below Foliage
Adults and larvae hunt within growing media
Broadens Pest Management
Feeds on several soil-borne crop pest groups
Supports Early Establishment
Alternative prey helps sustain a resident population
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Bugs for Bugs Dalotia coriaria
Key Highlights
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Key Highlights
- Rove beetle supplied as mixed life stages
- Targets fungus gnat and shore fly immatures
- Also feeds on root aphids and root mealybugs
- Used in indoor and outdoor crops
- Establishes in coir, rock wool and potting media
Directions for Use
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Directions for Use
Application Rate
- Preventative soil-borne pest management: 2 - 5 beetles per m² per release; make 2 releases at 1 - 2 week intervals.
- Curative hotspot treatment: 10 beetles per m² per release, repeated as required at 1 week intervals.
Application
- Introduce early in the crop cycle while pest numbers are low.
- Do not open the tube until inside the crop, as adult beetles can fly. Gently roll it immediately before release to mix the contents.
- Apply the material in small piles directly onto the surface of the growing medium. Treat greenhouse floors too where they provide pest-breeding habitat.
- Monitor pests and predators through crop checks and sticky traps. Place raw potato slices cut-side down on the growing medium to attract Dalotia and fungus gnat larvae for inspection.
- Rates are guides and depend on the crop and infestation level.
- Carrot fly and cabbage root fly: Dalotia can be applied to seedling trays before field planting.
- Keep the growing medium suitably moist without constant saturation.
Safety
Check previous chemical treatments and pesticide side-effects before release; some insecticides leave harmful residues for many weeks.
Release as soon as possible after delivery unless temperatures are extreme. If necessary, store tubes on their side for up to 3 days at 8 - 12 °C.
Beneficial Profile
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- Scientific Name: Dalotia coriaria
- Beneficial Type: Predatory Beetles
- Target Pests: Fungus gnats; Shore flies; Western flower thrips; Root aphids; Root mealybugs
- Pack Content: 1,000 individuals, mixed life stages
- Carrier: Sawdust
- Optimal Development Temperature: 25 - 27 °C
- Suitable Media: Soil, compost, potting mixes, coconut coir and rock wool
- Product Code: DC
- Suitable Environments: Indoor and outdoor crops
Resources
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Resources
Shipping & Returns
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Shipping & Returns
Check delivery options for the currently selected item and quantity.
Estimate is for this item and quantity only. Final whole-order freight is confirmed at checkout.
We have a 30-day return policy, which means you have 30 days after receiving your item to request a return.
To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unused, with tags, and in its original packaging. You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase.
To start a return, you can contact us at info@hydrooasis.com.au
If your return is accepted, we’ll send you a return shipping label, as well as instructions on how and where to send your package. Items sent back to us without first requesting a return will not be accepted.
You can always contact us for any return question at info@hydrooasis.com.au.
Size: 1000 Individuals
