Cryptobug - Cryptolaemus Montrouzieri

What is it?

Cryptobug is the tradename given to the predatory ladybird Cryptolaemus montrouzieri which controls a number of mealybugs, including the long tailed mealybug (Pseudococcus longispinus) and the obscure mealybug (Pseudococcus calceolariae).  Cryptobug has also been recorded feeding on the crawler stage of some scale insects as well.  Cryptobug is a small dark brown ladybug, approx 4mm in length, with an orange head.  The larvae can grow to 13mm long and are covered with white waxy filaments which can lead to them being mistaken for mealybug larvae when small.  Older larvae are much larger than mealybug larvae and are easily identified.

What does it do?

Adult Cryptolaemus and newly hatched larvae feed on the eggs and larvae of mealybugs. Large Cryptolaemus larvae will also feed on adult mealybugs.