Dalotia coriaria — The Rove Beetle
While most biological control agents work the day shift, Dalotia coriaria keeps working after dark. These nocturnal, soil-dwelling rove beetles are fast runners and active fliers that hunt a wide range of soil-dwelling pests across multiple life stages, with a particular strength against pest eggs. With a rapid 14–21 day life cycle and females capable of laying several hundred eggs, Dalotia populations establish quickly and sustain themselves in the soil and growing medium, providing continuous, self-reinforcing pest control.
What Is Dalotia "Atheta" coriaria?
Dalotia coriaria, also known as Atheta coriaria or the Rove Beetle, is a nocturnal, soil-dwelling generalist predator measuring approximately 3–4mm in length. Light to dark brown in color, they have short wing covers and a flexible, elongated abdomen that curves upward when disturbed. They are active fliers and fast runners, capable of covering significant ground in the soil and growing medium in search of prey.
Because Dalotia are fast movers, it's important to wait until you're in the introduction area before opening the container.
What Pests Does Dalotia Control?
- Fungus Gnats
- Root Aphids
- Shore Flies
- Spider Mites
- Thrips
- Moth Flies
- Springtails
- Root Mealybugs
- Sowbugs
- Pillbugs / Roly-Polies
- Many other soil-dwelling pest species
How Dalotia Works
Dalotia establish and reproduce rapidly in the soil, creating a self-sustaining predator population:
- Egg laying: Adult females lay several hundred individual eggs in soil or growing medium near pest populations
- Hatch (Days 3–7): Eggs hatch into larvae that immediately begin an active feeding phase
- Larval stage (Days 7–21): Larvae feed actively for 10–14 days before entering pupation
- Pupation (Days 3–7): Pupae develop in the soil before emerging as adults
- Full life cycle: Egg to adult in approximately 14–21 days
- Adult lifespan: Approximately 2–4 weeks of active predation
This rapid reproduction and short life cycle allows Dalotia populations to establish quickly and scale in response to pest infestations.
Application Instructions
- Introduce in the morning, evening, or during cooler temperatures.
- Do not water soil or growing medium for 10 minutes before or a few hours after release (soil should be slightly damp, not wet).
- Gently rotate the bottle back and forth before opening to evenly distribute beetles throughout the container.
- Open container in the introduction area, Dalotia are fast movers and will disperse quickly once the container is opened.
- Disperse beetles gently onto the infested plant soil or growing medium.
Application Rates
|
Infestation Level |
Rate |
|
Light/Preventative |
0.2 beetles per sq. ft., as needed |
|
Moderate/Heavy |
1 beetle per sq. ft., as needed |
Note: If plants are transplanted after introduction, reapply to the new growing area. Temperature range: 50–95°F
Crops & Growing Environments
Crops: Strawberries, Blueberries, Hemp, Cucumbers, Eggplants, Mushrooms, Ornamentals, Roses, Sweet Peppers, Table Grapes, Tomatoes, Pomegranate, Vineyards
Growing Environments: Greenhouses, Field Crops, Gardens
Storage
Introduce immediately upon receipt for best results. If storage is necessary:
- Store at 45–55°F for no longer than 48 hours
- Keep out of direct sunlight
- Do not freeze
Pro Tips
- Introduce early during propagation cycles in greenhouses before pest pressure builds. Dalotia thrive in the damp conditions common during propagation, making early-season releases highly effective.
- Roll the container back and forth before introduction to evenly distribute beetles, this improves the spread of your release across the target area.
- For comprehensive fungus gnat control, pair Dalotia with Hypoaspis miles and SF Beneficial Nematodes for a three-layer approach.
- Dalotia thrive in damp conditions, so maintain appropriate soil moisture to support an active predator population.
- Avoid applying alongside broad-spectrum or systemic insecticides, which are harmful to Dalotia at all life stages. Pesticides, wetting agents, and spreader-stickers can also reduce effectiveness.
- Release frequency may need to be adjusted based on plant size and type, pest pressure, presence of other predator populations, and temperature. Monitor conditions and adapt accordingly.
Safe, Natural Pest Control
- 100% natural — no synthetic chemicals
- Safe around people and pets
- Safe for edible plants and food gardens
- Compatible with IPM (Integrated Pest Management) programs
- Leaves no residue
- No protective equipment required