Cryptolaemus montrouzieri is a small black and tan beetle that is also known as a mealybug destroyer.
The beetle and its larvae can effectively control the population of mealy bugs and other soft-bodied insects, naturally.
The female predatory beetle can lay up to 500 eggs in her lifetime. She will seek out the eggs of mealy bugs and lay her own eggs nearby. After about 5 days the beetle's eggs will hatch and larvae will emerge ready to feed on the eggs and young of the mealybugs.
The beetle's larvae are white and can grow up to 13mm in length. While they prefer snacking on the young of the mealy bugs, they will also consume aphids, thrips, and other soft-bodied bugs if food is scarce.
When the larvae of the predatory beetle enter the pupal stage, they will create a cocoon-like structure on the underside of leaves and the stems of plants until they are ready to emerge as adults in about three weeks.
After the final pupal stage, an adult beetle will emerge and begin the process of mating and seeking out mealybugs and their young for food.
Mealybug destroyers work best in the early spring months when their prey is just beginning to populate. The helpful beetles are not only excellent for controlling pests in gardens and greenhouses, but also near fruit orchids where harmful insects like the mealy bug tend to be problematic.
