PersiLiv (Phytoseiulus persimilis) is a highly effective specialist predator targeting spider mites, particularly the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae). Since it only feeds on spider mites, it has made PersiLiv very good at finding spider mite hotspots and suppressing them.
Feeding Habits
PersiLiv (P. persimilis) preys exclusively on spider mites. Both adults and nymphs actively hunt for mites, consuming eggs, larvae, and adults. This direct predation helps reduce spider mite hotspots and prevents further plant damage, including stippling, leaf bronzing, curling, and premature leaf drop. PersiLiv (P. persimilis) moves efficiently through spider mite webbing unlike most other predatory mites, ensuring infestations are controlled even in dense colonies.
Lifecycle of Phytoseiulus persimilis
PersiLiv (P. persimilis) develops through several stages, all contributing to spider mite suppression:
- Egg Stage: Eggs hatch within 2–3 days, starting the next generation of predators.
- Larval Stage: Non-feeding; lasts about 1 day.
- Protonymph & Deutonymph: Both stages feed on spider mites, lasting 1–2 days each.
- Adult Stage: Adults begin reproducing within 1 day of emergence. Female adults lay 1–2 eggs per day.
Generation Time: Under optimal conditions, the full lifecycle completes in 7–10 days, allowing PersiLiv populations to keep pace with spider mite infestations.
Key Benefits
|
Benefit |
How It Helps Growers |
|
Specialist predator |
Targets only spider mites, efficiently reducing hotspots. |
|
Rapid reproduction |
Can outpace spider mite populations under favorable conditions. |
|
Can go into webbing |
Crawls through spider mite webbing unlike other predatory mites |
PersiLiv Excel – Ready-to-Go Predator
PersiLiv Excel is a pre-fed version of PersiLiv (P. persimilis), including all life stages. It begins feeding and reproducing immediately, establishing populations faster and providing rapid spider mite control. Its pink color changes to red when feeding, indicating active predation.
Key Benefits:
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Immediate activity: Well-fed and ready to reproduce on arrival.
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Active feeding indicator: Turns red when consuming spider mites.
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Specialist predator: Efficiently moves through webbing.
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Rapid reproduction: Keeps spider mites under control.
Application Guidelines, Storage & Handling
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Gently rotate the bottle to mix mites, then tap onto plants for even distribution.
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Store in a cool, dry place (8–10 °C).
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Avoid direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
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PersiLiv thrives in high humidity and mild temperatures; hot, dry, or dusty conditions favor spider mites.
Recommended Release Rates:
|
Strategy |
Release Rate |
Interval |
|
Preventative |
2–5 mites/m² |
Every 7 days |
|
Curative |
20–50 mites/m² |
Every 7 days |
PersiLiv Excel Release Rates:
|
Strategy |
Release Rate |
Interval |
|
Preventative |
10–14 mites/m² |
Every 7 days |
|
Curative |
20–50 mites/m² |
Every 7 days |
PersiLiv (P. persimilis) is a reliable predator for spider mite management. With rapid reproduction, active predation, and efficient movement through infestations, it helps growers maintain healthy crops and prevent the costly damage caused by spider mites.