Cryptolaemus montrouzieri

Cryptolaemus montrouzier is an insect of an average size (3–4 mm), which belongs to the family Coccinelidae (ladybird), the order Coleopterae. The adult and the larva of this insect feed on eggs, larvae, and imago of mealy bugs (Pseudococcus spp.). The alternative source of nutrition for the predator may be colonies of aphids. Cryptolaemus montrouzieri is a natural endemic in South Europe. It is introduced in many countries of the world as an entomophage.

The ontogenesis of the entomophage includes the following stages: an egg, a larva (4 ages), a pupa and an imago. One larva of the predator consumes during its life 4000–7000 eggs, 200–300 larvae or 40–60 adult individuals of the mealy bug. The adult insects and the larvae prefer to feed on eggs and young nymphs, while the larvae of the last ages consume pests of any size and the stages of development. Having been a predator it prefers well developed populations of the pest (the abundance of main food source).

The imago of the entomophage is black with a red abdomen. The beetle lives about 12 months. Fertility depends considerably on the character of food and it is able to amount to 1100 eggs. The egg is oval, yellow. The larva is white or yellow-green with waxen nodes. The cycle of development under favorable conditions takes 35–40 days. Sex ratio is 1:1. In southern regions the predator reproduces 3–4 generations per year. The adult individuals are able to move (fly) at long distances for food search.

Application

The application of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri is generally spread in the system of the biological defense of ornamental crops in the conditions of glass-covered ground (greenhouses, tropical houses and etc.). Data about the application of the predator in outdoor planting is enough contradictory.

If pest population is low or average the invasion of the predator is realized in amounts of 2–3 adult individuals per 1 m². It is recommended to invade the beetle in the morning or evening time (the cool time of a day) in places of mass pest concentration. If necessary the additional invasions of the biological agent are realized.

The optimal hydrothermal indexes are: a temperature of 20–26°C, a humidity of 70–85%, a daylight period of 18 hours. The adult individuals are most active under enough sun illumination. The minimal thermal index under which the death of the insect happens is 9°C. Predator search abilities and effectiveness decline at 33°C.

It is important to remember that the larva of C. montrouzieri resembles visually the larva of its prey.

Cryptolaemus montrouzieri is sensitive to synthetic pesticides, especially to the group of pyrethroids. It is necessary to avoid the application of persistent chemicals.

Advantages

• the high intensity of feeding;
• ability to feed on alternative food;
• ability to migrate for the search of food reserves;
• long-term action.

Storage an transportation

• Transport and store in darkness at a temperature of 5–10°C;
• don't expose to direct sunlight;
• apply within 18 hours since the moment of reception.