Dalotia coriaria
Species of beetle
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Through Biological pest control and Integrated pest management
Biological control
Dalotia coriaria is a commercially available species, sold by several Integrated Pest Management companies in the US and Europe. The beetles are employed as a biological control agent of glasshouse pests. Both adults and larvae prey upon larvae of fungus gnats (Bradysia spp.), and adult beetles also target shore flies (Scatella spp.) and thrips. The species was discovered feeding on a laboratory culture of fungus gnats, stimulating a study into its efficacy as a biological control agent.
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Use as a model organism
Dalotia coriaria's fast generation time, high fecundity and ease of culture of have recently led to the species being developed as a laboratory model organism.
Taxonomic history
Like many Aleocharinae, Dalotia coriaria has a complex taxonomic history. Initially described as a member of genus Homalota, many authors placed it in the large genus Atheta, before its current placement in Dalotia.