Beneficial Insects, BioCryptolaemus Mealybug Control by BioBee

A natural predator of mealybugs!

C. montrouzieri comes in boxes containing 250 or 500 adult beetles. Honey-soaked paper serves as food for the adult beetles in the product container. The predators are released by removing the lid and either placing it adjacent to the mealybug-infested spot or, while walking between the plants, tapping the package gently and letting the beetles fly out towards the plants. If necessary, BioCryptolaemus can be stored for 24 hours at a temperature of 50-54*F from the moment of arrival until release. The product should never be frozen. BioCryptolaemus is compatible with selected conventional chemicals (according to the list of compatible chemicals approved by BioBee).

BioBee's BioCryptolaemus is a predatory beetle, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri (Mealybug ladybird) of the coccinellidae family is a generalist predator of mealybugs. Native of Australia and introduced into several countries, including the USA. C. montrouzieri is a small dark brown beetle, about 4 mm long with an orange head, prothorax, wing tips and abdomen. C. montrouzieri eggs are yellow.

BioCryptolaemus is shipped in isolated Styrofoam packages chilled with icepacks. This packaging must be kept intact until it reaches the end-user. When applied, the boxes should be taken from the shipment package one by one and the predators should be released immediately. About 3 weeks to one month following the predatory beetles release (depending upon temperature), their larval offspring are clearly seen within the mealybug-infested spot. Remains of dead mealybugs, preyed upon by BioCryptolaemus, are also visible. The subsequent established generations of the predatory beetle will effectively control the mealybugs in the long run. C. montrouzieri and the mealybug parasitoid Anagyrus pseudococci (BioAnagyrus) complement each other: The former seeks dense populations of mealybug pests. Hence it is effective in mealybug hot spots. The latter is a superior searcher for mealybugs at low infestation rate. Therefore, it is best used under initial/scarce infestation by mealybugs. The predatory beetle does not discriminate between non-parasitized mealybugs and those inhabited by early stages of the parasitic wasp. Consequently, it may consume early-parasitized mealybugs. However, once the parasitized mealybug mummifies, the predatory beetle avoids it completely. Thus, the two natural enemies may co-exist in the same habitat and establish long-lasting control of mealybugs. The rate and frequency of BioCryptolaemus release may differ from one host plant and/or habitat to another. Introduction rate should be determined according to the nature of the crop (open field or protected) and according to the rate of mealybug infestation.

These live insects MUST ship via next-day air. Please call for pricing. This product is not valid for any free or reduced shipping offers.