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Stethorini (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae): predatory biology, global distribution, and applications in biological control of phytophagous mites − An updated review

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The tribe Stethorini (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), commonly called spider mite destroyers, comprises specialized mite predators with significant potential for biological control against phytophagous mites. This review synthesizes major advances following Chazeau (1985) and Biddinger et al. (2009) , integrating recent findings in taxonomy, trophic ecology, and life-history biology, and field implementation. Key advances include revised global diversity (91 Stethorus and 16 Parastethorus species), elucidation of host plant‑mediated prey quality effects, and documentation of thermal conservatism in development alongside wide reproductive variation. Field implementations have demonstrated remarkable efficacy, complete Panonychus citri suppression in Chinese citrus through conservation, and 40–91% Tetranychus urticae reduction in Oregon hops using synthetic herbivore‑induced volatiles. Despite these successes, critical gaps constrain broader adoption: mass‑rearing costs remain prohibitive, pesticide compatibility is inferior to that of phytoseiid mites, and the impacts of climate change and alternative prey on predator performance remain unresolved. Practically, Stethorini are best deployed via conservation biocontrol in open‑field systems where resident populations naturally establish, rather than costly augmentative releases. Looking forward, we outline a three-priority research roadmap, deciphering the genomic basis of mite specialization, engineering cost-effective artificial diets, and developing predictive frameworks for climate-smart deployment, that could transform these underutilized predators into more reliable and economically viable components of sustainable mite management, reducing acaricide dependence worldwide.

Source: Biological Control

DOI: 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2026.106168

Authors: Jie Wang, Lian-Wen Wu, David J. Biddinger, Jian-Ping Zhang, Xue-Xin Chen