Cryptolaemus montrouzieri

Cryptolaemus montrouzieri for mealybug control 

The predatory beetle Cryptolaemus montrouzieri is a species of beetle belonging to the family Coccinellidae. The beneficial insect is a small but highly effective predator in biological pest control. Originating from Australia, this beetle species preys primarily on mealybugs, including species such as the citrus mealybug and the long-tailed mealybug.

The predatory beetle Cryptolaemus montrouzieri is used for the control of the following pests:

The natural enemy Cryptolaemus montriouzieri is available at Koppert as Cryptobug and Cryptobug-L.

Mealybug species

Citrus mealybug Planococcus citri infestation Citrus mealybug
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How to use Cryptolaemus montrouzieri

The predatory beetle Cryptolaemus mountrouzieri is available in bottles (Cryptobug, Cryptobug-L).

Best conditions for use of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri 

The minimum temperature for use of Cryptobug and Cryptobug-L is 16°C/61°F. However, as Cryptolaemus montouzieri favors high temperatures, Cryptobug is most effective at temperatures between 25°C and 28°C (68 and 82°F).

Feeding behaviour of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri 

All moving stages of Cryptolaemus montriouzieri prey on mealybugs, seizing their prey and consuming them entirely. Adult ladybirds and young larvae prefer the eggs and young larvae, while older larvae appear to prey on all stages of mealybugs equally. Adult ladybirds are good fliers and can disperse over a large area in search of prey. Although Cryptolaemus montrouzieri prefers mealybugs, this species is known to be a polyphagous predator. Sometimes other insects related to mealybugs are eaten, such as soft scales or aphids. However, this beetle is most effective in controlling large populations of mealybugs. Once the supply of mealybugs becomes inadequate, the ladybirds fly off in search of new prey. Sometimes the larvae resort to cannibalism under these conditions. At a temperature of 21°C, during the whole period of its development to adult beetle, a larva eats more than 25 second and third instar mealybug nymphs. The larvae of the late third and fourth in stars are the most voracious, consuming up to 30 mealybugs per day. 226 Beetles and larvae are most active in sunny conditions. Above 33°C their searching behaviour comes to a standstill, while below 16°C they slow down until activity ceases at temperatures below 9°C.

Life cycle of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri 

You can recognize the different life stages of the predatory beetle Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, the mealybug destroyer, when using this predatory beetle as a pest control agent by observing their unique characteristics at each stage:

  • Egg stage: Cryptolaemus montrouzieri eggs are small, oval-shaped, and usually laid individually or in clusters on plant foliage or near mealybug-infested areas. They are typically yellow-white in color and may be found attached to leaves.

  • Larval stage: Cryptolaemus montrouzieri larvae are the primary predatory stage. They are elongated and have a segmented body with a dark brown or black coloration. Larvae have prominent mandibles and actively hunt and feed on mealybug nymphs and adults.

  • Pupal stage: Larvae pupate in various places, on any convenient stalk or on the underside of leaves or on even greenhouse materials. Pupae resemble fullgrown larvae, but are inactive, attached to the surface.

  • Adult stage: Adult Cryptolaemus montrouzieri are small beetles with a dark brown or black coloration and measure around 4 millimetres in length. Adults are active predators and feed on mealybugs at all stages of development.

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