Mealybug-predator
Guides
Ceraeochrysa
trash-carrier lacewings, green lacewings
Ceraeochrysa is a genus of green lacewings in the family Chrysopidae, established by Adams in 1982 based on distinct genitalia structure. It is the second largest genus in Chrysopidae with 61 species distributed from southeastern Canada to Argentina, with highest diversity in the Neotropics. Larvae are known as 'trash carriers' that construct dorsal packets of debris for camouflage, including insect wax, lichen, and plant material. The genus contains important biological control agents that prey on mealybugs, aphids, mites, thrips, and lepidopteran eggs.
Ceraeochrysa claveri
trash bug (larval stage)
A green lacewing in the family Chrysopidae, Ceraeochrysa claveri is a polyphagous predator with established value in biological control of agricultural pests. Larvae are "trash carriers" that construct dorsal camouflage packets using assorted materials including lichen, plant trichomes, and notably the wax of mealybugs and other insects. The species has been documented incorporating live mealybug nymphs into these packets, representing the first recorded instance of active placement of live prey onto the larval packet. Adults feed on pollen and may contribute to pollination. The species shows high genetic diversity across agroecosystems and is compatible with certain biopesticides including Bacillus thuringiensis serovar aizawai.
Chamaemyia
silver-flies
Chamaemyia is a genus of small flies in the family Chamaemyiidae, commonly known as silver-flies. It serves as the type genus for its family. Larvae of at least one species, Chamaemyia polystigma, are known predators of mealybugs, suggesting a broader role in biological control within the genus.
Chamaemyiidae
silver flies, aphid flies
Chamaemyiidae is a small family of acalyptrate flies comprising fewer than 200 described species worldwide. Adults are minute (1–5 mm), typically greyish, and morphologically characterized by reduced bristling. Larvae are active predators of Sternorrhyncha, particularly aphids, adelgids, and scale insects, making several species valuable biological control agents. The family has been deployed in classical biological control programs targeting invasive pests such as the hemlock woolly adelgid and pink hibiscus mealybug. Fossil records are sparse but extend to the Eocene.
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.
Dicrodiplosis californica
mealybug-destroying predaceous gall midge
Dicrodiplosis californica is a species of predaceous gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, described by Felt in 1912. The common name 'mealybug-destroying predaceous gall midge' indicates its role as a biological control agent targeting mealybugs. As a member of the genus Dicrodiplosis, it belongs to a group of predatory gall midges rather than the gall-forming majority in this family.
Diomus
lady beetles, ladybirds
Diomus is a genus of small lady beetles (Coccinellidae) comprising at least 20 described species. Species within this genus exhibit diverse ecological strategies, including generalist predation on mealybugs and aphids, as well as specialized myrmecophilous associations. Several species have been evaluated or employed as biological control agents against agricultural pests such as the papaya mealybug (Paracoccus marginatus), yellow sugarcane aphid (Sipha flava), and cassava mealybug (Phenacoccus manihoti). The genus shows notable variation in habitat associations, from agricultural crops to ant nests.
Exochomus
Exochomus is a genus of lady beetles in the family Coccinellidae, first described by Redtenbacher in 1843. The genus comprises at least 77 recognized species distributed globally. Multiple species have been studied as biological control agents against mealybugs and other soft-bodied pests in agricultural and forestry systems. Research has focused particularly on E. nigripennis in Egypt and E. flaviventris in Central Africa as predators of invasive mealybug species.
Hyperaspidini
Hyperaspidini is a tribe of lady beetles (Coccinellidae) established by Mulsant in 1846, currently classified within subfamily Coccinellinae. The tribe contains approximately 16 genera, though generic boundaries remain fluid with some authorities treating Brachiacanthini and Selvadiini as synonyms. Species in this tribe are predominantly small, often inconspicuous lady beetles with documented predatory habits on mealybugs (Pseudococcidae) and aphids (Aphididae).
Hyperaspidius
Hyperaspidius is a genus of lady beetles in the family Coccinellidae, established by Crotch in 1873. The genus contains at least 20 described species. One species, Hyperaspidius venustulus, has been documented in association with mealybugs on big cordgrass in coastal wetland habitats. Members of this genus are rarely collected and appear to be specialists on particular host plants and their associated herbivores.
Hyperaspis
Sigil Lady Beetles
Hyperaspis is a genus of lady beetles (family Coccinellidae) comprising more than 100 described species. Members are known as Sigil Lady Beetles. Species in this genus are predatory, with documented associations with scale insects and mealybugs. The genus has a wide distribution including North America and northern Europe, though individual species vary in range.
Hyperaspis paludicola
swamp lady beetle
Hyperaspis paludicola, the swamp lady beetle, is a small North American lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure 1.70–2.10 mm in length. The species is a specialized predator of scale insects and mealybugs, with larvae that produce distinctive white waxy secretions for protection. It has been recorded from Alberta, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and South Carolina.
Nephus
Nephus is a genus of small lady beetles in the family Coccinellidae, subfamily Scymninae. The genus contains more than 25 described species. Several former species have been transferred to the genus Scymnobius. Members of this genus are known as specialized predators of mealybugs and have been investigated for biological control of these pests.
Nephus sordidus
Little Brown Mealybug Destroyer, Sordid Ladybug
Nephus sordidus is a small dusky lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. Commonly known as the little brown mealybug destroyer or sordid ladybug, this species is found in North America. It belongs to the genus Nephus, a group of minute lady beetles often associated with scale insects and mealybugs. The species was originally described by Horn in 1895 and has been documented in Canadian provinces including Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, and Saskatchewan.
Sympherobius californicus
California brown lacewing
Sympherobius californicus is a species of brown lacewing in the family Hemerobiidae, first described by Banks in 1911. It is native to Central America, North America, and Oceania, with distribution records from Hawaii. The species was introduced to New Zealand in 1936 as a biological control agent targeting aphids and mealybugs affecting crops, but failed to establish.