Larva (mimics mealybugs). Newport Beach, Orange County, CA. 07/83. © Peter J. Bryant

Mealybug Destroyer

Cryptolaemus montrouzieri

Coleoptera: Coccinellidae

Species identified by Nick Nisson, County Entomologist, Orange County

Native to Australia, introduced into California in 1891 as a control agent for mealybugs.

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Larva associated with Sagebrush Mealybug, Amonostherium lichtensioides on California Sagebrush, Artemisia californica. Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, Orange County, CA. 9-30-10. © Peter J. Bryant.

Larva associated with Sagebrush Mealybug, Amonostherium lichtensioides on California Sagebrush, Artemisia californica. Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, Orange County, CA. 9-30-10. © Peter J. Bryant.

Larva associated with Sagebrush Mealybug, Amonostherium lichtensioides on California Sagebrush, Artemisia californica. Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, Orange County, CA. 9-30-10. © Peter J. Bryant.

Larva associated with Sagebrush Mealybug, Amonostherium lichtensioides on California Sagebrush, Artemisia californica. Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, Orange County, CA. 9-30-10. © Peter J. Bryant.

Cast cuticle ans appendages. © Peter J. Bryant.

Cast cuticle ans appendages. © Peter J. Bryant.

Adult developed from larva associated with Sagebrush Mealybug, Amonostherium lichtensioides on California Sagebrush, Artemisia californica. Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, Orange County, CA. 10/22/10. © Peter J. Bryant.

Adult developed from larva associated with Sagebrush Mealybug, Amonostherium lichtensioides on California Sagebrush, Artemisia californica. Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, Orange County, CA. 10/22/10. © Peter J. Bryant.