Insects by Picture
Beetles by Picture
Beetle Taxonomy
Cryptolaemus montrouzieri - BugGuide
Mealybug Destroyer - Texas A&M
Mealybug Destroyer - Cornell University
I have found mealybug destroyers in many places where aphids are around. They are the larvae of a humble lady beetle, and they eat mealybugs, aphids, and other soft-bodies insects. They really don't look all that much like mealybugs to people, but I guess they effectively fool mealybugs, aphids, and the ants who protect them. They are much larger than either mealybugs or aphids, and their waxy furriness goes far beyond that of any mealybug.
On May 25, 2014, I saw this mealybug destroyer hanging our on a black-eyed pea plant and watching ants attack a larva that was after the aphids on the plant.
Click the photo to see it bigger! |
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