Cryptolaemus montrouzieri
| Cryptolaemus montrouzieri | |
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| Species: | C. montrouzieri
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| Cryptolaemus montrouzieri | |
Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, common name Mealybug Ladybird[2] 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.[3] It has been used as a biological control agent against Mealybugs and other Scale insects.[2][3] As a larva it apparently looks like the mealybugs they prey on,[4] a case of aggressive mimicry.
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".[2]
Biological control agent
Within Australia
C. montrouzieri was introduced to Western Australia as a biological control agent.[2]
As imported species
As biological control agent outside Australia, C. montrouzieri has the common name Mealy bug destroyer.[3][5] C. montrouzieri was introduced into California in 1891 by Albert Koebele to control the citrus mealybug.[3] It has also been introduced to New Zealand for biocontrol.[4]
See also
- Cassiculus venustus (native New Zealand species which also feeds on mealybugs)
References
- ^ "Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant, 1853". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 3 March 2012.
- ^ a b c d "Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant". CSIRO. Retrieved 17 March 2009.
- ^ a b c d "Cryptolaemus montrouzieri". Cornell University. 30 January 2008. Retrieved 18 March 2009.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|authors=ignored (help) - ^ a b Crowe, A. (2002). Which New Zealand Insect?. Auckland, N.Z.: Penguin. p. 47. ISBN 0-14-100636-6.
- ^ "Know Your Friends - Mealybug Destroyer". www.entomology.wisc.edu University of Wisconsin. 14 February 2009. Retrieved 18 March 2009.
External links
- picture gallery at www.brisbaneinsects.com - includes images of C. montrouzieri larva preying on sap-sucking bugs