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This predatory mite feeds only on spider mites. It should be the first choice for biological control of spider mites if conditions are suitable. Phytoseiulus is effective if released in sufficient numbers at the first sign of the pest, and if temperatures reach 20°C for at least a few hours each day. Optimum temperatures for control of spider mites are 15-25°C, when the predator breeds faster than its prey. However, P. persimilis is less effective in the hot, dry conditions (above 30°C and below 60% relative humidity) that favour its spider mite prey. The adult predators are slightly larger than the Two-spotted spider mite (Red Spider Mite)  and are orange-red and shiny. They have longer legs than spider mites and are very active, running around the leaves searching for prey. P. persimilis will eat both mobile stages of the Two-spotted spider mite (Red Spider Mite) and their eggs. Younger predators are smaller and paler than the adults. The eggs are pale pink, oval and about twice the size of those of the Two-spotted spider mite (Red Spider Mite). These can easily be seen with a hand lens when monitoring, on leaves with spider mite damage, and are a good sign that the predators are establishing. As the predators do not have wings they cannot fly, but they will move readily from plant to plant if these are touching. The predators are supplied in bottles with a bran or vermiculite carrier that is sprinkled on the plants. Products with larger numbers of predators in smaller amounts of carrier leave less carrier on the plants, deliver more accurate numbers of predators and allow more effective use of high doses in spider mite ‘hotspots’.

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