Amblyseius cucumeris

Type

Predatory mite (thrips specialist)

Target pests

• Thrips (larval stages)
• Some suppression of other small soft-bodied pests

Best use

A cornerstone preventative predator for thrips control, especially for leaf-dwelling thrips species.

Often introduced early in crops before flowering.

Best conditions

• Performs well under moderate temperatures
• Works preventatively rather than as a late rescue tool

Use in crops

• Strawberries
• Cucumbers
• Peppers / Chillies
• Ornamentals

Notes

Cucumeris is widely used as a baseline thrips predator. Often combined with Orius once flowering begins.

Related

• Orius Laevigatus
• Orius Majusculus
• Biological Control Top Ups

IPM positioning

Preventative predator for thrips; best used early before visible damage.

Best deployment strategy

• Apply preventatively at the start of the cropping cycle or before thrips pressure is expected.
• Prioritise distribution across the crop rather than only on hot-spots.
• Combine with Orius later as a curative/knockdown partner when flowers develop.

Compatibility notes

• Works well with: Orius Laevigatus / Orius Majusculus (mites suppress early stages; Orius improves knockdown once established).
• Compatible with: Stratiolaelaps Scimitus as a soil layer where thrips pupae/sciarid risk exists.

Environmental preferences

• Performs reliably in moderate conditions; widely used for preventative establishment.
• Activity and reproduction are reduced by very hot/dry conditions.