ABOUT CRYPTOLAEMUS MONTROUZIERI:
Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, a.k.a. the "Mealybug Destroyer," is an Austrailian ladybug that was imported to the USA in the 1890's to control the Citrus Mealybugs in California. Crypt's are brown ladybugs with an orange head and tail (approximately 4 mm / 1/6 in long). Cryptos are predatory in both adult and larvae stages.
TARGET PESTS:
All life stages of mealybugs.
RELEASE RATES:
Release 5-10 per plant and 100 per large tree. First release in early spring.
Temperature: 64° - 81° F
Humidity: 70% +
PRO TIPS:
Cryptolaemus cannot survive in cold temperatures (below 50°F), and therefore need to be reintroduced where the winter temperatures are too low.
LIFE CYCLE:
Complete life cycle is approximately 7 weeks. Female adults can lay up to 400 eggs. Egg - 4 larval stages - pupa - adult.
