The predaceous mites discussed here pass through five stages: egg, larva, protonymph, deutonymph, and adult. Larvae are sixlegged; nymphal stages and adults are eight-legged.
Adults of this predaceous insect are commonly referred to as green lacewings and they measure about 1 inch long. The larvae are often referred to as aphid lions. Most adults are greenish in color and have golden-colored eyes.
Natural enemies of mites, such as ladybird beetles (ladybugs), thrips and predaceous mites usually keep mite populations reduced.
Predaceous mites and pseudoscorpions prey upon nematodes, fly larvae, other mites and collembolans. Free-living flatworms ingest gastropods, earthworms, nematodes and rotifers.
Management strategies: Earwigs are predaceous of other insects, but they're a nuisance in the home and a pest in the garden. Try trapping them with a piece of crumpled paper under a flowerpot.
Some control during the growing season could be achieved with application of carbaryl (Sevin®). Because this insecticide kills off predaceous mites and insects, it can backfire and cause an eriophyid mite population explosion.
 See also: Plant, Mites, Larvae, Stage, Spring
  
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