Phytoseiulus is a genus of mites in the Phytoseiidae family.

This mite was accidentally introduced into Germany from Chile in 1958; it was subsequently shipped to other parts of the world, including California and Florida, from Germany.

Adult females are reddish, pear-shaped, about 0.5 mm (0.020 in) long, and active at room temperature.

At optimum temperatures, Phytoseiidae can develop from egg to adult in seven days and live up to a month.

Ideal temperature range is 70–85 °F (21–29 °C) with relative humidity of 70–80% inside the plant canopy.