Mealybugs are related to aphids and feed by sucking plant sap, causing damage directly via feeding and by production of honeydew and associated sooty moulds. Several species are found, all have the appearance of being covered in a white waxy layer.
They are serious pests in botanic gardens, interior landscapes and in commercial ornamental and edible crops. Cryptolaemus ladybirds and parasitic wasps are available for control under warmer conditions. Lacewing larvae also feed on mealybug nymphs. Hypoaspis may feed on root mealybug. A pheromone is available for the citrus mealybug that attracts the winged adult males of several species.
They are serious pests in botanic gardens, interior landscapes and in commercial ornamental and edible crops. Cryptolaemus ladybirds and parasitic wasps are available for control under warmer conditions. Lacewing larvae also feed on mealybug nymphs. Hypoaspis may feed on root mealybug. A pheromone is available for the citrus mealybug that attracts the winged adult males of several species.
Cryptolaemus montrouzieri - Small (4-5 mm) Australian ladybird. The larvae looks like a large segmented mealybug and may be seen walking over plants. Adults lay eggs into mealybug egg masses, larvae develop and are predatory on all stages of the mealybug.
