http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/ http://www.biocontrol.entomology.cornell.edu/predators/Phytoseiulus.php

Phytoseiulus is a genus of mites in the Phytoseiidae family. A predatory mite, this is the mite predator most frequently used to control two-spotted spider mites in greenhouses and outdoor crops grown in mild environments. This mite was accidentally introduced into Germany from Chile in 1958; it was subsequently shipped to other parts of the world, including California and Florida, from Germany. A Phytoseiulus mite can consume up to 7 adult spider mites or several dozen of their eggs in a day. Adult females are reddish, pear-shaped, approximately 0.5 mm long, and active at room temperature. Immatures and males are smaller and lighter in color. Eggs are oblong. About 80% are females. At optimum temperatures Phytoseiidae can develop from egg to adult in 7 days and live for up to 1 month. A well-fed female will lay about 50 eggs in her lifetime.