Cryptolaemus

Mulsant, 1853

Species Guides

1

Cryptolaemus is a of predatory lady beetles (Coccinellidae) native to eastern Australia, New Guinea, and Indonesia. The genus contains approximately 40 , with Cryptolaemus montrouzieri being the most widely known and commercially important. Both larvae and prey primarily upon mealybugs and other scale insects. C. montrouzieri has been introduced globally as a agent and is commonly known as the mealybug destroyer.

Cryptolaemus montrouzieri InsectImages 1475022 cleaned by Quoted from source:"Image Citation: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org" "Image Use: You must attribute the work in the manner specified (but not in any way that suggests endorsement).". Used under a CC BY 3.0 us license.Cryptolaemus montrouzieri InsectImages 5195080 by Quoted from source:"Image Citation: Jeffrey W. Lotz, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Bugwood.org" "Image Use: You must attribute the work in the manner specified (but not in any way that suggests endorsement).". Used under a CC BY 3.0 us license.Cryptolaemus montrouzieri InsectImages 5195081 by Quoted from source:"Image Citation: Jeffrey W. Lotz, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Bugwood.org" "Image Use: You must attribute the work in the manner specified (but not in any way that suggests endorsement).". Used under a CC BY 3.0 us license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cryptolaemus: //ˌkɹɪptoʊˈliːməs//

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Distribution

Native to eastern Australia, New Guinea, and Indonesia. Cryptolaemus montrouzieri has been introduced to North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Oceania for programs. The is naturally restricted to the Australasian and Indo-Pacific regions.

Diet

Mealybugs (Pseudococcidae) and other scale insects. Cryptolaemus montrouzieri preys upon citrus mealybug (Planococcus citri), (), and related . and larvae consume , nymphs, and adult mealybugs.

Host Associations

Behavior

Larvae are covered in white waxy filaments that resemble their mealybug prey, possibly as protective mimicry to avoid detection by ants that tend mealybugs. and larvae are both active . Cryptolaemus montrouzieri has been observed to aggregate in response to mealybug .

Ecological Role

of mealybugs and scale insects. Cryptolaemus montrouzieri serves as an important agent in programs for citrus, pomegranate, greenhouse ornamentals, and other crops. The reduces reliance on chemical in managed .

Human Relevance

Cryptolaemus montrouzieri is commercially mass-reared and sold for of mealybugs in greenhouses, orchards, and interiorscapes. It was first introduced to California in the late 1800s by Albert Koebele to control citrus mealybug, representing one of the earliest successes in . Modern applications include banker box release methods where are established on prey-infested potato tubers before orchard placement.

Similar Taxa

  • HyperaspisBoth are coccinellid with larvae that produce waxy secretions; Hyperaspis larvae feed on scale insects but lack the dense filamentous wax covering of Cryptolaemus larvae.
  • RhyzobiusAnother coccinellid used for insect ; are more elongate and larvae lack the distinctive waxy disguise of Cryptolaemus.
  • ScymnusSmall coccinellid of scale insects and mealybugs; generally smaller body size and different larval without the extensive waxy filaments.

More Details

Biological Control History

Albert Koebele imported Cryptolaemus montrouzieri from Australia to California in 1888-1889 to combat citrus mealybug, which threatened the state's citrus industry. This introduction is considered one of the most successful cases of .

Larval Mimicry

The waxy filaments covering Cryptolaemus montrouzieri larvae are thought to provide protective mimicry, allowing larvae to avoid aggression from ants that tend and protect mealybug colonies for their honeydew production.

Commercial Production

Modern mass-rearing facilities produce Cryptolaemus montrouzieri for sale to growers. Onsite rearing programs at institutions like Phipps Conservatory use simple mesh cages to reduce costs and carbon emissions associated with shipping.

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Sources and further reading