Use Atheta for the biological control of fungus gnats (Sciara), shore flies (Scatella stagnalis), and western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis).

Atheta beetles rove their surroundings in search of prey, moving through substrate, along drainage systems and on plant leaves. Adults and larvae are active and aggressive predators of sciarid fly (Sciara) and shore fly (Scatella) eggs, larvae and pupae. Adults also prey on the 2nd larval stage and pupae of the western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis). These beetles consume their prey in its entirety.

Because of their flight capability, adults can travel throughout a greenhouse, ensuring good distribution and fast population development. Total development time from egg to adult takes about three weeks at 25ºC. After that period the adult predatory beetle will be active for approx. three weeks. An adult female will lay 8 eggs per day during the first two weeks after maturing.