CRYPTOfroce: Cryptolaemus montrouzieri

Target Pests:

• Mexican mealybug (Phenacoccus gossypii)
• Citrus mealybug (Planococcus citri)
• Comstock mealybug (Pseudococcus comstocki)
• Obscure mealybug (Pseudococcus obscurus)
• Solenopsis mealybug (Phenacoccus solenopsis)

Description:  Cryptolaemus montrouzieri is a ladybug beetle. They are produced in insectaries as opposed to wild collected.

• Adult Cryptolaemus has a shiny black body, orange head and thorax and is prox. 5mm long.
• Female can lay up to 10 eggs for up to 50 days.
• Larvae are white and shaggy-coated looking very similar to mealybugs.
• Cryptolaemus larvae can grow up to 1 cm long and can consume up to 250 mealybugs and their eggs.

Use in Biological Control:  Cryptolaemus montrouzieri is effective, safe and economical long-term solution to manage mealybug infestation. While they are opportunistic and eat also other pests, they are most effective cleaning up large populations of mealybugs.

• Optimum temperature for Cryptolaemus is between 64-91°F with humidity level of 70% or more.
• Adults will lay eggs in the cottony egg-mass produced by mealybug
• Larvae will hatch and consume small mealybugs and eggs. 

Life Cycle:  The life cycle of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri is approximately 3 weeks in immature stages.  The adult life of Cryptolaemus lasts about 1 month.

Introduction Rates:  General introduction rate of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri is 2-8 beneficials each per 10 square feet.

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Holiday Shipping Schedules apply to all products.

This is a West coast shipping point:  Orders Processed by 10:00 AM Friday are shipped the following Tuesday

• West Coast FOB available by Next Day Air.

Beneficial Insects are special order items and shipped within the USA: Lower 48 states only.  Restrictions may apply in specific states.  Please check with your local Extension Service for suitability in your area.