Citrus-pest-management
Guides
Aphytis
Aphytis is a genus of minute chalcid wasps in the family Aphelinidae, comprising approximately 130 described species. These wasps are specialized ectoparasitoids of armored scale insects (Diaspididae), particularly attacking citrus and other economically important pests. Adults typically measure 2–3 mm in length and exhibit coloration ranging from black to yellow with transparent wings. The genus has been extensively studied for biological control applications, with species such as A. melinus mass-reared and released worldwide to manage scale infestations. The University of California, Riverside maintains a critical collection of Aphytis specimens, including type material for numerous species described by Rosen and DeBach.
Cryptolaemus montrouzieri
Mealybug Destroyer, Mealybug Ladybird
Cryptolaemus montrouzieri is a small ladybird beetle native to eastern Australia, widely used as a biological control agent against mealybugs and scale insects in agricultural and horticultural systems globally. Adults are approximately 6 mm long with dark brown elytra and orange-brown head, pronotum, and appendages. Larvae reach 14–15 mm and are covered in white waxy filaments that provide aggressive mimicry of their mealybug prey, potentially protecting them from ant aggression. The species has been introduced to numerous regions including California (1891), Europe, and New Zealand for classical biological control of citrus mealybug and related pests.
Curinus
Curinus is a genus of lady beetles in the family Coccinellidae, established by Mulsant in 1850. The genus contains at least one described species, Curinus coeruleus, commonly known as the metallic blue ladybeetle. Curinus coeruleus has been studied as a biological control agent for armored scale insects in citrus production systems.
Curinus coeruleus
Metallic Blue Lady Beetle
Curinus coeruleus is a metallic blue ladybeetle in the family Coccinellidae, established as an introduced biological control agent in multiple regions. It is known to prey on armored scale insects, particularly Florida red scale (Chrysomphalus aonidum), and has been evaluated for control of Heteropsylla cubana. The species exhibits a distinctive metallic blue coloration and has been introduced to areas including the Philippines and Florida for pest management.
Cybocephalus
Cybocephalus is a genus of small beetles in the family Cybocephalidae, comprising over 200 described species. Members are specialized predators of scale insects (Coccoidea), particularly diaspidids (armored scales) and other sessile Hemiptera. The genus has been widely studied for biological control applications against agricultural and horticultural pests. Species occur across multiple continents with documented distributions in Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and the Middle East.
Dioprosopa clavata
Four-speckled Hover Fly
Dioprosopa clavata is a Neotropical hoverfly (Diptera: Syrphidae) and the type species of genus Dioprosopa. Adults feed on nectar and pollen, while larvae are aphidophagous predators that also attack spittlebugs and other hemipteran pests. The species provides dual ecosystem services as both a pollinator and biological control agent in natural habitats and agroecosystems, including citrus orchards. Climate change projections indicate substantial habitat loss by 2100, with range contractions in tropical lowlands and modest shifts toward cooler, higher-elevation refugia.
Rhyzobius lophanthae
purple scale predator, scale-eating ladybird
Rhyzobius lophanthae is a small coccidophagous ladybird beetle native to Queensland and Southern Australia, widely introduced as a biological control agent. Adults and larvae prey on armored scales (Diaspididae) and mealybugs, with younger larvae crawling beneath protective scale covers to feed on nymphs. The species has established populations across the southern United States since its 1892 introduction to California, as well as in Europe and Pacific islands including Guam and Rota. It exhibits temperature-dependent development with optimal reproductive performance at 28°C.
Tamarixia
Tamarixia is a genus of small parasitoid wasps in the family Eulophidae, primarily known as parasitoids of psyllids (jumping plant lice, superfamily Psylloidea). The genus was established by Mercet in 1924 and contains approximately 50 described species distributed worldwide. Most species are ectoparasitoids, though at least one species has been recorded as an endoparasitoid. Several species, particularly T. radiata and T. triozae, are important biological control agents used in integrated pest management programs for citrus and solanaceous crops.