Atheta is most effective when introduced preventatively, prior to the establishment of pest populations.
"The general conditions of Koppert (Koppert B.V. and/or of its affiliated companies) apply. Only use products that are permitted in your country/state and crop. Always comply with the conditions specified in local product registrations. Koppert cannot be held liable for unauthorized use. Koppert is not liable for any loss of quality if the product is stored for longer than recommended and/or under incorrect conditions."
Atheta is a soil-dwelling species of rove beetle with an aggresive appetite that is attracted to the decomposing of biological matter where their prey is typically found. As they can travel readily within the environment they are released into, they can easily populate and colonize their release area.
The complete life cycle of Atheta takes about 21 days (at about 25°C/77°F). The sex ratio will typically be equal, 1:1 females to males. Eggs hatch in 3-4 days to begin their larval stages. Larvae resemble adult form, and their pupal chambers are constructed out of silk.
Atheta coriaria are typically light to dark-brown – in many cases al- most black – in color. The adult beetle can be anywhere between
3-4 mm. long. They have an elongated, slender body shape, and they have wing coverings along their backside.
The beetles should be applied right away upon receipt, though if necessary can be held at 10°C/50°F for up to 7 days. Typically, one application at the beginning of the growing cycle, and a small re-application at each transplant is sufficient to enable Atheta populations to establish effectively. To increase likelihood of reproduction, release at least 50-100 beetles at each application site.
| Atheta | preventive | light curative | heavy curative |
|---|---|---|---|
| ft2/unit | 1/10 ft2 | 5-10/10 ft2 | 10-15/10 ft2 |
| interval (days) | At 1st potting and each transplant | At 1st potting and each transplant | At 1st potting and each transplant |
They are well suited for release into a variety of growing situations, (ex. beds, pots, seedling/cutting propagation areas, etc.). Due to their ability to move quickly, fly when needed, these predatory rove beetles can be monitored by scraping back the top 1-2 cm. of the growing media. Adults are non-diapausing under greenhouse light conditions. Population will fluctuate throughout the growing season, depending in large par on the prey population density.
Biological beneficials have a very short life expectancy and therefore need to be introduced to the crop as soon as possible after receipt. Failure to do so can have a negative impact on their quality. In case you do need to store Atheta, please follow the instructions below. Koppert B.V. is not liable for any loss of quality if the product is stored for longer than recommended and/or under incorrect conditions.
