Cryptolaemus montrouzieri 1000 adults - $150.00

MEALYBUG DESTROYER
(cryptolaemus montrouzieri)

The most commonly used natural enemy of mealybugs are Crypts which are in the ladybug group of beetles. They are predators of mealybugs.

Crypt eggs are laid among mealybug colonies and hatch in 5-6 days at 81 degrees F. Both the adults and the larvae of Crypts feed on all stages of the mealybugs as well as aphids and scales. Young larvae and adults prefer mealybug eggs and smaller stages of the mealybug. Older larvae eat all stages.

The packages contain paper strips for them to cling to during shipment as well as drops of honey as a food source. Cryptolaemus cannot survive sub-freezing temperatures and therefore need to be reintroduced in orchards or landscapes, where the winter temperature is too low.

Release in orchards & vineyards:
1000-5000 per acre, 1-2 times per year.

Release in ornamentals, greenhouses and interior applications:
5-10 per plant and 100 per large tree.

Crypts are more likely to lay eggs when there is at least some mealybug egg mass present. Release the adults on the infected plants early morning or evening.