Cryptolaemus

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Superfamily: Coccinelloidea
Family: Coccinellidae
Subfamily: Scymninae
Tribe: Scymnini
Genus: Cryptolaemus

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cryptolaemus: //ˌkɹɪptoʊˈliːməs//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

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.

Cryptolaemus montrouzieri InsectImages 5195081 cropped 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 larva InsectImages 5195077 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 186719721 by Mario Bassini. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Summary

Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, known as the mealybug ladybird or mealybug destroyer, is a ladybird beetle used predominantly for biocontrol of mealybugs and other scale insects. It is a small beetle, endemic to Australia, but has been introduced in various regions for pest management.

Physical Characteristics

Adults can reach a length of about 6 millimetres (0.24 in) with predominantly dark brown elytra and orange-brown head, antennae, pronotum, end of elytra, and legs. Larvae can reach a length of 14–15 millimetres (0.55–0.59 in) and have a waxy covering that mimics the mealybugs they prey on.

Identification Tips

Look for the typical ladybird shape with predominantly dark brown elytra and no spots; orange-brown coloration on the head and legs distinguishes them from other ladybugs.

Habitat

Detected outdoors in orchards and other cultivated agricultural areas, and indoors in arboretums, shopping malls, and greenhouses.

Distribution

Endemic to Queensland and New South Wales, Australia; also found in Europe (France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, and Northern Germany), North Africa, Afrotropical realm, Nearctic realm, and Neotropical realm.

Diet

Primarily feeds on mealybugs; will also consume aphids and other small, soft-bodied insects if mealybugs are unavailable.

Life Cycle

Life span is about two months. Undergoes four larval stages and a pupal stage, taking about 24 days to develop into an adult.

Reproduction

Females lay eggs among the egg sacs of mealybugs, with larvae feeding on mealybug eggs and honeydew produced by mealybugs.

Ecosystem Role

Acts as a biological control agent against harmful scale insects, especially in citrus orchards.

Economic Impact

Used globally for biocontrol of mealybugs in agriculture, particularly in citrus orchards, impacting pest management positively.

Collecting Methods

Light trapping
Hand collection in the field

Preservation Methods

Ethanol
Pinning

Evolution

First described in 1853 by Étienne Mulsant. The name derives from Greek, meaning 'hidden throat'.

Misconceptions

Some may confuse them with other ladybird species due to their typical shape, but the coloration and lack of spots help distinguish them.