Atheta Bucket

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 pest suppression and fit seamlessly into integrated pest management (IPM) programs. Adults and larvae hunt pest stages exposed at the media surface and in damp 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 pest stages in moist zones and media surfaces:
• Fungus gnats (Sciaridae) — eggs, larvae, pupae
• Shore flies (Scatella spp.) — eggs, larvae, pupae
• Western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) — pupae near the media line
• Also feeds on springtails and other small arthropods when present

Recommend for:
• Preventive: At potting or transplant to seed the media surface with active predators.
• Curative: 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 (gnats or shore flies).

How It Works
• Mode of Action: Adults and larvae patrol media surfaces and structural crevices, locating prey by odor cues from plants and decomposing organic matter; they consume prey entirely.
• Behavior: Adults are fast runners and capable of flight, redistributing through the greenhouse for broad coverage.
• Visual Effect: Prey stages are removed; population pressure declines as oviposition sites are sanitized.

Feeding Rates
• Adults and larvae consume approximately 10–20 prey per day under optimal conditions.
• Feeding varies with prey density, moisture, and media type; higher moisture and organic matter increase foraging success.

Lifecycle of Dalotia coriaria
• Egg to adult: ~3 weeks at 77°F
• Adult longevity: ~3 weeks
• Females lay ~8 eggs per day for the first two weeks after maturing

Pressure-Based Release Rates (per 10 sq. ft)

Tip: Distribute in multiple small piles across the area for faster contact; adults will disperse by running and flying to colonize gaps.

Instructions for Use
Before Application:
• Gently rotate the tube several times before opening to evenly distribute beetles and bedding material.
Opening the Tube:
• Locate the marked cut-out on the lid and push to open.
• Rotate the lid cover to the fully open position for controlled application.
Application:
• Shake contents gently onto areas where fungus gnats or shore flies breed:
– Potting media
– Capillary matting
– Algal growth zones
• Distribute beetles evenly across target areas for maximum coverage.
Monitoring:
• Use fresh yellow sticky traps weekly to monitor pest populations.
• Expect trap catches to decline significantly within 2–6 weeks post-treatment as beetles establish.
Compatibility:
• Avoid soil-incorporated insecticides unless confirmed safe; residues may harm beetles.
Suitability:
• Safe for all greenhouse plants; ideal for diverse ornamental and production environments.

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

Storage & Transport
• Store in a dark cool area until use
• Use within 18 hours of receipt for best results.
• Do not store after opening.

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

What to Expect
Atheta beetles begin hunting immediately after release, moving quickly across media surfaces and damp structural zones 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

Why Choose Atheta?
• Effective: Targets fungus gnat larvae and shore fly eggs, breaking pest life cycles.
• Versatile: Suitable for all greenhouse plants and compatible with most IPM strategies.
• Sustainable: Reduces reliance on chemical pesticides without compromising performance.

FAQs

How fast do they work?
Adults forage immediately; expect visible trend change in 1–2 weeks under production conditions.

Are they safe for all plants?
Yes, Atheta coriaria is safe for all greenhouse plants and ornamental species.

Can I combine Atheta with other beneficials?
Yes, they work well with nematodes (Entonem) and soil mites (Entomite M) in layered IPM programs.