Hey you! Yes, you. Do you know about the Cryptolaemus Montrouzieri? No? Well that’s what I’m here for. The Cryptolaemus montrouzieri is the scientific name for Mealy bug Destroyer. It lives mostly in Australia, but was imported to control citrus mealy bug infestations in California groves in 1891. It is very similar to the very well known ladybug. It shares most of its characteristics with the ladybug, including the dome-shaped back. The purpose to all of this is to inform you on the bug Cryptolaemus Montrouzieri, because I think it is fascinating. Do you?

Next on the list is the Mealy bug Destroyer’s Description. The Mealy bug Destroyer’s Description first starts with its’ size. Which is 3-4 mm long (3 mm is slightly less than ⅛ inch). Second, would be the coloration of the Cryptolaemus Montrouzieri. They are dark brown or blackish with an orange (or brown) head and tail. Third on its’ description would be adaptations. Its’ adaptations are to areas that aren’t very cold, because they cannot withstand it. Fourth are characteristics the species of the Mealy bug Destroyer has. Which is; Size:3-4 mm long (3 mm is slightly less than ⅛ inch), Oval body, Coloration: Dark brown or blackish with an orange (or brown) head and tail, and Prey: Citrus mealy bugs, mealy bug larvae, and honeydew. See how I find it fascinating? On to the next one!

Thirdly, is the population and habitat of the Cryptolaemus Montrouzieri. The Cryptolaemus Montrouzieri is found in the Western side of Australia and was imported to California in 1891 to help decrease the population of Citrus Mealy Bugs. The exact population of the Mealy Bug Destroyer is unknown; it appears to be stable at the moment but can increase by hundreds in only a few days. Some people have said it is growing (seeing as how you can buy them to help any garden of ‘grass lice’ or citrus mealy bug infestations) and that there is now another way to kill of mealy bugs rather than the ladybugs. I, for one, do not believe it is growing, I think it is just stable.

Next is the Diet, Feeding Habits, and Predators of the Cryptolaemus Montrouzieri. Its’ niche in the food web is about top domination, but the ladybugs get to the destroyers, is it is just under being top (aside from humans). The Mealy Bug Destroyers eat Prey:

Adults and young larvae prefer eggs. Older larvae will consume mealy bugs at all stages. They will also prey on some aphids and soft scale. Also Citrus Mealy Bugs (Planococeus citri). Once a Mealy bug Destroyer larva devours up to 250 mealy bug larvae, they will eventually feed on honeydew, the sticky sugary substance secreted by mealy bugs. The only predators of the Mealy Bug Destroyer is its’ species and ladybugs. The species of the Mealy Bug Destroyer eats each other. It prevents getting eaten by using a sticky substance called honeydew. This is all for this section, because this is all I can inform you on.

Last, but not least, is my conclusion. The importance of my animal is to help get rid of infestations including the Citrus Mealy Bugs, Aphids, and ‘Grass Lice’. Also, to help gardens improve their plants. What stood out to me, was that they eat each other and that yet, they can work together to get rid of infestation. The other thing that amazed me was that they can make a sticky substance called, ‘Honeydew’ which they can live off of as a food source. All in all, I really enjoyed researching and learning about the Cryptolaemus Montrouzieri because to me, it’s a really interesting beetle.

 

Author: Alysha C.

Date Published: 1-31-13

 

Www. Knowacaliforniafarmer.com/blog/category/crop-production

Agie-horticulture.tamu.edu/Galveston/beneficial-15_ladybug_mealybug_destroyer.htm

www.ehow.com/way_5573033_hints-kill-mealy-bugs.html

www.thebestcontrol.com/bugstop/control_alternatives_favorite.htm

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mealybug_destroyer