Kauaʻi record · KCA-IA-00609
Mealybug Destroyer
Cryptolaemus montrouzieri
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About Mealybug Destroyer
Mealybug Destroyer (Cryptolaemus montrouzieri) is a member of Coccinellidae in the order Coleoptera. Its recorded origin status on Kauaʻi is introduced — biocontrol.
Mealybug Destroyer (Cryptolaemus montrouzieri) is documented from Kauaʻi. Lady beetles undergo complete metamorphosis. Many species and their larvae prey on aphids, scales or mealybugs, while some lineages feed on fungi or plants. On Kauaʻi, observations are most useful when they record prey species, larva/pupa/adult, host plant, abundance and any biocontrol context. Where island-specific host, prey, breeding-site, abundance, or seasonal information is not yet firmly documented, those details should remain tied to direct specimens and field observations rather than inferred from populations elsewhere.
Mealybug Destroyer (Cryptolaemus montrouzieri) is an introduced predatory lady beetle used in biological control and recorded from Kauaʻi. Larvae superficially resemble mealybugs and should receive companion identification coverage.
Kauaʻi occurrence evidence: Hawaii Biological Survey states the mealybug destroyer was purposefully introduced and previously reported from all main Hawaiian islands except Kahoʻolawe, which includes Kauaʻi.
The cited occurrence evidence does not by itself establish current abundance or population trend on Kauaʻi.
Life cycle
Egg; larva; pupa; adult.
Habitat
Vegetation supporting prey or other food resources.
Food and ecological role
Often soft-bodied insects; exact prey or diet is species-specific.
Reproduction
Eggs are laid near food resources for larvae.
Movement
Adults fly readily among prey patches; larvae walk on vegetation.
Ecosystem role
Predator and biological-control agent for many species.
Threats and impacts
Introduced predators can suppress pests but may also interact with non-target native arthropods.
Monitoring
Record prey species, larva/pupa/adult, host plant, abundance and any biocontrol context.
Names and classification
- Scientific name
- Cryptolaemus montrouzieri
- Common names
- Mealybug Destroyer
- Family
- Coccinellidae
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Record type
- species
Kauaʻi occurrence and status
- Kauaʻi occurrence
- Present
- Origin
- Introduced — biocontrol
- Conservation status
- Not assessed
Process and seasonal context
- Seasonal description
- Mealybug Destroyer (Cryptolaemus montrouzieri) is a member of Coccinellidae in the order Coleoptera. Its recorded origin status on Kauaʻi is introduced — biocontrol.