Cryptolaemus montrouzieri

These predators are specialists. While they may snack on aphids if starving, they require mealybugs to reproduce.

• Primary Targets: All species of Mealybugs (Citrus, Long-tailed, Obscure, Root Mealybugs).
• Secondary Targets: Soft Scale insects (specifically the crawler stage) and occasionally Aphids.
• Identification: Adults are small, black lady beetles with orange heads and tails. Larvae are white and waxy, looking nearly identical to mealybugs but larger and faster.

Cryptolaemus are originally tropical predators and perform best in warm, humid environments.

• Temperature: Active between 64°F - 90°F (18°C - 32°C). They love heat and sun.
• Sunlight: Unlike many predators that hide in the dark, Adult Crypts are attracted to light and are most active on sunny days.
• Food Requirement: They have high metabolic needs. Adults may fly away if pest populations are too low, so they are best used when mealybugs are clearly visible.

We offer both life stages to give you better control. Here is how to choose the right one for your situation.

• Choose Larvae (The Surgical Strike): Best for treating specific, heavily infested plants. Because larvae cannot fly, they are forced to stay on the plant you place them on and eat until the job is done. This is the best option for open windows or small collections where adults might fly away.
• Choose Adults (The Air Support): Best for greenhouses or large grow rooms. Adults can fly to locate scattered mealybug pockets and lay eggs to establish a future generation. Use them to cover a wider area.
• The "Total Control" Strategy: Release Adults to patrol the room and place Larvae directly into the worst "hotspots" for immediate cleanup.

Success with Cryptolaemus requires handling them gently and managing their environment.

• Critical Step: Control Ants first. Ants will defend mealybugs and kill your predators. Use ant baits or sticky barriers 2–3 days before releasing Crypts.
• Releasing Larvae: Use a small paintbrush or the tip of a leaf to gently transfer larvae directly into mealybug clusters. Do not squeeze them.
• Releasing Adults: Open the container near the pest infestation, preferably in the evening or early morning.
• Clothing Tip: Adults are attracted to light colors. Avoid wearing white shirts during release, or they may land on you instead of the plants!
• Watering: Mist the plants lightly before release; the beetles are often thirsty after shipping.

Packaging: Shipped in tubes or bottles with shredded paper or carrier to provide hiding spots.

Larvae: Active and hungry upon arrival. They may be huddled together.

Adults: May be sluggish initially but will become active once warmed up.

Storage: Release immediately. If necessary, store at 55–60°F for no more than 18 hours. Do not refrigerate.

Likely, yes! Cryptolaemus larvae look just like mealybugs (white and fuzzy), but they are usually larger (up to 1/2 inch) and move much faster. If you poke it and it runs away quickly, it’s a predator. If it stays put, it’s a pest.

No. Cryptolaemus are strictly carnivorous. They do not eat leaves, roots, or fruit.

For a heavy infestation, we recommend 2–5 larvae per infested plant, or 2–5 adults per square yard of planted area. You want to overwhelm the pest population.

Adults are programmed to fly to find food. If the mealybug population is too low, or if the temperature is too cold, they may disperse. This is why Larvae are often better for small, isolated infestations—they can't leave.

No. Avoid chemical pesticides and even organic sprays like Neem Oil or heavy soaps for at least 1 week before and during their use. Residues can kill the beetles or disguise the scent of the mealybugs.

Larvae can be effective if they can access the soil surface, but Cryptolaemus generally hunt on foliage. For Root Mealybugs, we recommend pairing them with soil predators like Stratiolaelaps scimitus or Root Aphid Nematodes.