P. persimilis is used to manage Two-spotted mites (TSM) in greenhouses, feeding on all life stages (eggs, larvae, nymphs, and adults). Adults are bright red, pear-shaped with long legs and are larger and more active than Two-spotted mites. Adult females lay eggs that are approximately 2-3 times as large as two-spotted mites, as seen here in the photo.Two-spotted mites in the photo are easily recognized by their two dark spots on either side of their body.
The temperature must be around 68°F with 75% relative humidity in order for this predatory mite to be effective. When temperatures are greater than 86F, P. persimilis cannot keep up with the reproductive capacity of TSM. When relative humidity is less than 60%, predatory mite female eggs wither or fail to hatch.
