Atheta — Dalotia coriaria (formerly Atheta coriaria)
Dalotia coriaria, a species of rove beetle, is a highly effective & proven biological control agent for managing fungus gnats and shore flies in greenhouse environments. These beneficial insects deliver reliable control and fit seamlessly into integrated pest management (IPM) programs. Atheta preys on larvae exposed at the media surface and in structural areas such as bench edges, drain lines, and algae patches. Adults can fly, enabling rapid dispersal and coverage beyond initial release points.

Use For
Atheta targets:
Fungus gnats (Sciaridae) — eggs, larvae, pupae
Shore flies (Scatella spp.) — eggs, larvae, pupae
Western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) — pupae near the media line

Recommend for:
Atheta locates and feeds on hotspots and is great for large area deployment as well as any area where sticky cards show elevated adult activity.

How It Works
Mode of Action: Adults and larvae patrol media surfaces and structural crevices, locating prey by odor cues; Atheta consumes prey entirely.
Behavior: Adults are fast and capable of flight, redistributing themselves through the area in search of prey.
Visual Effect: Atheta circle & hover near prey sites. As Atheta targets soil-dwelling larvae, pest development slows, reducing overall population pressure

Feeding Rates
Adults and larvae consume approximately 10–20 prey per day under optimal conditions.
Feeding varies with prey density, moisture, and media type.

Instructions for Use
• Shake contents gently onto areas where fungus gnats or shore flies breed:
– Potting media
– Capillary matting
– Algal growth zones
• Distribute Atheta evenly across target areas for maximum coverage.
Monitoring:
• Use fresh yellow sticky traps weekly to monitor pest populations.

Best Working Conditions
Temperature: Optimal around 77°F
Moisture: Moderate moisture and organic zones (algae, debris) increase prey availability and predation frequency

Product Specifications
Pack Sizes: 1,000 or 5,000 adult beetles
Presentation: 1 L tube (1,000) or 5 L bucket (5,000)

Compatibility Guidance
Compatible with other beneficials
Avoid broad-spectrum insecticides; check chemical compatibility via our Beneficial Insect & Pesticide Compatibility page.

What to Expect
Atheta (Rove beetles) begin hunting immediately after release, moving quickly to locate fungus gnat and shore fly stages. Adults and larvae feed aggressively on eggs, larvae, and pupae, reducing pest pressure as breeding sites are cleaned. Visible improvement typically occurs within 1–2 weeks under production conditions. Works best when combined with nematodes, soil mites, and consistent sticky card monitoring for sustained control.

Recommended IPM Pairings
Entonem (Steinernema feltiae) — for fungus gnat larvae and thrips pupae in the root zone
Entomite M (Stratiolaelaps scimitus) — continuous soil mite pressure on eggs and early instars
Horiver Yellow sticky traps — adult fungus gnat trapping & monitoring