Abstract Predatory bugs (Anthocorids) and predatory mites (Phytoseiids) are the most effective beneficials against thrips. If predatory bugs have low affinity to the rose crop, there is a series of predatory mites which is suitable for this crop, including Amblyseius swirskii, Euseius ovalis, Typhlodromalus limonicus, Amblyseius degenerans, Amblyseius andersoni and Amblyseius aurescens. The low humidity in the leaf microclimate by prolonged periods of heat can be a limiting factor. Therefore, drought-resistant mites (‘desert species’) were selected in this study and tested for their affinity for thrips and roses. Euseius stipulatus and Typhlodromus exhilaratus were found to be drought-resistant species and to predate on thrips. Euseius stipulatus settled on roses. Due to a shortage of rearing, the affinity of Typhlodromus exhilaratus for roses was not tested
