CRYPTOforce™ (Cryptolaemus montrouzieri), also known as “Mealybug Destroyers” and the name says it all. CRYPTOforce™, with their shiny black body and dull-orange head and thorax, definitely prefer to dine on mealybugs. They can clean up large mealybug populations on infested plants. However, as most lady beetles are, CRYPTOforce™ is very opportunistic and will eat pests other than mealybugs and mealybug eggs: other soft-bodied insects (their crawlers or immature forms), insect eggs, etc.
We do not recommend using these beetles for other pests, though. Control of other pests might not be obtainable with typical CRYPTOforce™ releases. Coincidental cross-predation should be regarded as a bonus of the application and nothing more.
CRYPTOforce™ is shipped as pre-fed, pre-mated, insectary-reared adults. Some popular prey of these beetles include: the citrus mealybug (Planococcus citri); the comstock mealybug (Pseudococcus comstocki); the obscure mealybug (Pseudococcus obscurus); the solenopsis mealybug (Phenacoccus solenopsis); the Mexican mealybug (Phenacoccus gossypii) and many other related species, even the long-tailed mealybug (Pseudococcus longispinus) can be consumed with greedy abandon, but only if it is present with another species which produce cottony egg-masses.
Life-style of Mealybug Predators
The large 5 mm. Australian, adult female beetles lay their eggs in the cottony egg-masses produced by the pests — one egg per mass, usually, and up to 10 of them per day, for up to 50 days! The eggs of these mealybug predators hatch into white, shaggy-coated young larvae which, to the inexperienced, look like mealybugs (a wolf in sheep’s clothing). These, too, are fierce mealybug predators, growing up to 1 cm. long and consuming 250 or so small mealybugs and mealybug eggs (young larvae prefer to eat the youngest first).
The lifespan of these beneficial insects is roughly ~3 weeks in their immature stages, then around ~1 month as adult mealybug predators. The conditions for optimum performance will be between 64-91°F with a relative humidity of 70% or greater.
However, these are optimum conditions and are not necessarily prerequisites for successful implementation. Please note, however, that significantly cooler or warmer temperatures and humidity fluctuations may hamper reproduction and development of these mealybug predators to a certain degree.
Scouting
Advisories
This is not a problem if your site has more than one species (assuming the other species does produce the egg-masses). These mealybug predators will eat immature long-tailed mealybugs with great joy, they just can’t reproduce on them.
A long-tailed-mealybug-only infestation can be overcome in a couple of different ways:
Long-Tailed Mealybug Control Options
- You can place little bits of synthetic quilt batting (available from craft stores) amongst the long-tailed mealybug populace. (Avoid cotton balls as they may contain pesticide residues.) We’re not completely sure how well this works, but a number of folks have tried it, experimentally, and reported satisfactory results. Also, try placing white 3″ x 5″ index cards, halved, by groupings of the pests to lure the lady beetles in.
- Employ the Chrysoperla spp. (green lacewings) at the site. We’ve been told on numerous occasions that they do an excellent job. Use only the eggs or the larvae, however. Preferably a Cryptolaemus montrouzieri in the larval stage. The adults will not do too well as they’ll seek out aphid colonies near where they can lay their eggs.
Aside from misting the site with water before releasing and doing so in the evening (sometimes not necessary in interiors), there are other things you can do to ensure the maximum number of mealybug predators stick around. Flowering, pollen-producing plants are a big plus to CRYPTOforce™.
Pollen isn’t the only thing these beetles will eat. They will also consume mealybug honeydew; they produce a lot. A honeydew substitute product may help encourage the beetles.
Ants, if present, should be controlled. They will defend mealybugs from predators and parasites to protect their honeydew/excrement food. Use barrier products or boric acid products to control the ants.
Last advisory: don’t wear white clothing when you’re releasing CRYPTOforce™. They are attracted to white and light colors and may find you irresistible. Also watch your sticky traps, if you’re using them. If you’re catching too many beetles, remove the traps from the site or set them out for only 2-3 days per week.
Usages
Release Rates for CRYPTOforce
| Classification | Release Information |
|---|---|
| Light infestation | 2 to 4 per 10 sq. ft, repeat as needed |
| Heavy infestation | 10 to 12 per 10 sq. ft., repeat as needed |
| Orchards | 1,000 to 2,000 per acre |
Purchase
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CRYPTOforce™ – mealybug destroyer (100/ 250/ 500)
Price range: $44.95 through $210.95 — or subscribe to save 5% Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
