Product description
Atheta coriaria is a Staphylinid beetle that is a predator of soil and compost pests. This rove beetle is a generalist Arthropod feeder, but the adults and young stages are particularly good at feeding on the larvae of sciarid flies (Bradysia spp, Lycoriella spp, and Sciara spp) and shore flies (Scatella spp).
Staphyline c can be used in crops such as herbs and ornamentals where warm humid conditions favour these pests. It should be introduced early in the growing season. With careful management good populations will build up in the greenhouse to give high levels of control. The population build up can be greater if the Atheta rearing-release system is used. (Contact your Syngenta Bioline distributor for more information). Staphlyline c is supplied in 1litre cardboard tubes containing 500 predators or bulk bags containing 3,000 predators.
Predatory Beetle
- Formulation contains adults, larvae, pupae and eggs for balanced population
- Visible predator with mobile adults for good dispersal and establishment
- Attacks shore flies and sciarids
- Naturally occurring in Europe
- Available in bulk bags or tubes
Used for
| Sciarids/Fungus gnats (Bradysia paupera /spp) |
Cut Flowers |
| Shore flies (Scatella spp) |
Ornamental pot plants |
General information
This is a fast moving predator effective at a wide temperature range of 12°C to 35°C. It belongs to a family of beetles renowned for their aggressive feeding behaviour. Adults of shore flies are a nuisance to greenhouse growers, leaving ugly spots on plants and becoming trapped in packaging. The larvae of sciarids directly attack roots. Adults of both species spread plant diseases in the nursery.
How to use Staphyline c
Use at the rate of 5 insects per m². Make 1 release. Dose may be increased to 10 per m² to speed up establishment in areas of high infestation, particularly of shore flies.
Suitable for all greenhouse plants. Rotate the tube several times before opening to mix the contents. Push the cut-out on the lid where marked to open the tube. Rotate the lid cover to the fully open position for application. Shake contents gently onto potting media, capillary matting, and any areas of algal growth where flies are considered to be breeding. Monitor performance using fresh yellow sticky traps at weekly intervals. Trap catches will decline over 2-6 weeks post treatment. Each tube contains mixed life stages with approximately 30% adults.
Storage and transport
- Transport and store in darkness at 10-15°C
- Keep out of direct sunlight
- Use within 48 hours of receipt