Mealybugs are among the most persistent greenhouse pests, weakening plants by feeding on sap and producing sticky honeydew that leads to mold growth. Chemical control is often unreliable due to mealybugs’ waxy coating and hidden feeding sites.
This is where CryptoLiv (Cryptolaemus montrouzieri), also known as the mealybug destroyer, provides growers with a powerful biological solution. Both adults and larvae are voracious predators, feeding on all mealybug life stages with a strong preference for eggs and young crawlers. Adults are strong fliers, allowing them to disperse quickly and locate pest hotspots across greenhouse crops.
Life Cycle and Predatory Role:
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Egg Stage: Laid among mealybug egg masses and hatch in about 7 days.
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Larval Stage: Lasts around 20 days. Larvae are covered in waxy filaments that mimic mealybugs, helping them infiltrate colonies while feeding on eggs, crawlers, and honeydew.
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Pupation Stage: Pupation takes place in protected areas, lasting 7–10 days before adults emerge.
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Adult Stage: Adults can live up to 2 months. Females lay up to 400 eggs, ensuring long-term predator establishment in crops.
Key Benefits:
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Benefit |
Description |
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Targeted Mealybug Control |
Both larvae and adults feed intensively on mealybugs, quickly suppressing populations. |
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Active Dispersal |
Adults are strong fliers, capable of locating pest hotspots throughout the greenhouse. |
|
Long-Term Support |
Extended adult lifespan provides sustained pest management over multiple weeks. |
Application Guidelines
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Curative Releases: Apply 10–20 beetles per m², repeating weekly if infestations persist. Adjust rates depending on crop type and pest pressure.
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Optimal Conditions: 20–27 °C with relative humidity above 60%. Best results occur when beetles are released in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat stress.
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Storage and Handling: Use immediately after delivery. If short-term storage is necessary, keep at 10 °C, 60% RH, in darkness, for no longer than 1 day. Apply by tapping beetles directly onto mealybug-infested plants.