Order Coleoptera Higher classification Cryptolaemus | Scientific name Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Rank Species | |
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Similar Cryptolaemus, Ladybird, Insect, Beetle, Planococcus citri | ||
Cryptolaemus montrouzieri mealy bug destroyers let loos
Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, common name Mealybug Ladybird is ladybird species endemic to Queensland and New South Wales, Australia. Unlike many of the often brightly coloured Coccinellidae, it is predominantly brown and has no spots. It has been used as a biological control agent against mealybugs and other scale insects. As a larva it apparently looks like the mealybugs they prey on, a case of aggressive mimicry.
Contents
- Cryptolaemus montrouzieri mealy bug destroyers let loos
- Mealybug destroyer cryptolaemus montrouzieri
- Species name
- Within Australia
- As imported species
- References
Mealybug destroyer cryptolaemus montrouzieri
Species name
Étienne Mulsant described C. montrouzieri, naming the new species after a Marist brother and missionary, Abbe Montrouzier, who wrote an "Insect Fauna of Woodlark Island".
Within Australia
C. montrouzieri was introduced to Western Australia as a biological control agent.
As imported species
As biological control agent outside Australia, C. montrouzieri has the common name Mealy bug destroyer. C. montrouzieri was introduced into California in 1891 by Albert Koebele to control the citrus mealybug. It has also been introduced to New Zealand for biocontrol.
