Cryptolaemus is a small dark brown ladybug with an orange head and tail. The larvae are up to 13mm long and are white with a wax like covering. The pupae are found in sheltered places; stems, underside of leaves, greenhouse structures.
Preferred food: The adults and larvae feed on all stages of the mealy bugs. Young Cryptolaemus and larvae prefer mealybug eggs and smaller stages of the mealybug. When no mealybugs are available Cryptolaemus will also feed on aphids and scale.
Shipment, biology and release: Shipped as adults and most effective in high infestations. Optimal conditions are 61-91 degrees F with a relative humidity between 70-80%.
Application rates: 5/infested plant; 500-5,000/acre. First release should be in early spring. Release Cryptolaemus on the infected plants in the evening or early morning.
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