Cryptolaemus montrouzieri
Overview
Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, often called the mealybug destroyer, is one of the most effective biological controls available for mealybug management.
Both larvae and adults are predatory.
Type
Predatory beetle.
Target Pests
Primary Targets
- Mealybugs
Identification
Adults resemble small dark ladybirds.
Larvae are covered in white waxy filaments and closely resemble mealybugs.
Why Cryptolaemus is Important
Mealybugs are difficult pests to control biologically.
Cryptolaemus actively searches for colonies and consumes large numbers of prey.
Environmental Preferences
Temperature
Optimal:
- 20–30°C
Crops Commonly Used In
- Ornamentals
- Citrus
- Protected crops
Strengths
- Excellent mealybug predator
- Strong searching behaviour
- Good curative control
Limitations
- Requires warm conditions
- Requires prey availability
Monitoring Establishment
Look for:
- Larvae within colonies
- Adult beetles
- Reduced colony growth