Cryptolaemus montrouzieri
| Cryptolaemus montrouzieri | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Coleoptera |
| Family: | Coccinellidae |
| Genus: | Cryptolaemus |
| Species: | C. montrouzieri |
| Binomial name | |
| Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant, 1850[1] | |
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.
- 1 2 3 4 "Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant". CSIRO. Retrieved 2009-03-17.
- 1 2 3 4 Weeden, Shelton, Hoffmann (30 January 2008). "Cryptolaemus montrouzieri". Cornell University. Retrieved 2009-03-18.
- 1 2 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 2009-03-18.
External links
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Cryptolaemus montrouzieri. |
- picture gallery at www.brisbaneinsects.com - includes images of C. montrouzieri larva preying on sap-sucking bugs