AtheLiv (Dalotia coriaria), commonly known as rove beetles, are highly effective soil-dwelling predators used in greenhouse crops. While they are best known for controlling fungus gnat larvae, they also feed on shore fly larvae, thrips pupae, root aphids, springtails, and other soft-bodied soil pests. Their ability to survive in the absence of prey and excellent mobility make them a valuable preventative and curative tool in integrated pest management (IPM).
Feeding Habits
AtheLiv (D. coriaria) adults actively search the soil and growing media for pest larvae and pupae. They consume a wide range of soft-bodied invertebrates, disrupting pest populations before they can damage crops.
These beetles can survive on algae and plant debris when prey is scarce, ensuring continuous presence in the crop. Their ability to crawl and fly allows them to distribute efficiently throughout the greenhouse, reaching areas that other soil predators may not.
Lifecycle of Dalotia coriaria
The lifecycle of AtheLiv (D. coriaria) includes three main stages:
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Egg Stage: Females deposit eggs in soil or growing media.
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Larval Stage: Egg to larvae lasts 2-3 days. Larvae feed on soil-dwelling pests before pupating.
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Pupal Stage: Larva takes 7 days to pupate. Pupation occurs within the soil, after which adults emerge.
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Adult Stage: Adults are mobile, capable of crawling and flying. Females begin laying eggs 1–2 days after emergence, with an average lifetime of about 90 eggs and a balanced male-to-female ratio.
Key Benefits
|
Benefit |
How It Helps Growers |
|
Broad-spectrum soil predation |
Controls fungus gnat larvae, shore fly larvae, thrips pupae, root aphids, springtails, and other soil pests. |
|
Persistence in the crop |
Survives on algae and organic debris when prey is limited. |
|
Excellent mobility |
Crawling and flying ability ensures thorough distribution throughout the crop. |
|
Preventive and curative use |
Effective for early establishment and outbreak control. |
Application Guidelines, Storage & Handling
- Release beetles directly onto the soil or growing media in the early morning or late afternoon.
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Apply in batches of 50–100 beetles per release for optimal distribution.
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Use immediately upon receipt or store briefly at 10 °C if needed.
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Avoid direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
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Ideal environmental conditions: 24–28 °C, with soil moisture between 60–80%.
Recommended Release Rates
|
Strategy |
Release Rate |
Interval |
|
Preventive |
2–4 beetles/m² |
Single release |
|
Curative |
5–10 beetles/m² |
Single release |
Release rates may vary depending on crop type, greenhouse conditions, and pest pressure. Early introduction is recommended to establish populations before pest infestations begin.